Week 6 - Interviews

Question 1

Standardized Interviews

Answer 1

Definition: A structured method of interviewing with predetermined questions.
Purpose: Collect standardized information from large groups.

Question 2

Standardized Interviews (Approach)

Answer 2

Positivist Approach: Aims to minimize bias by keeping the format consistent.
Model: Stimulus-response, leading to consistent answers

Question 3

Standardized Interviews (Question Type)

Answer 3

Question Type: Closed-ended questions.
Characteristics: Mutually exclusive and exhaustive.

Question 4

Limitations of Standardized Interviews

Answer 4

Provides a rough sketch of true situations.

Assumes uniform understanding across different social contexts.

Respondents may have more complex opinions than options allow.

Interviewer may differ in tone or body language.

May reflect Western individualistic assumptions.

Question 5

Critiques of Standardized Interviews

Answer 5

Feminist Perspective: Distance and neutrality hinder understanding of women’s experiences.

Indigenous Perspective: Overlooks indigenous values like storytelling.

Question 6

In-Depth Interviews

Answer 6

Participants explain experiences and feelings in their own terms.

Flexibility to adjust or create new questions.

Question 7

In-Depth Interviews (Benefits)

Answer 7

Detailed insights can emerge not possible in structured interviews.
Prioritizes participants’ perspectives.

Question 8

Types of Interviews

Answer 8

Semi-Structured: Open-ended questions with probes.

Unstructured: Participant guides the conversation.

Informal/Spontaneous: Occurs in fieldwork or unexpected situations.

Question 9

Interview Approaches

Answer 9

Active Listening: Listen carefully and follow up on key points.

Organized Listening: Identify new concepts or ideas in responses.

Question 10

Active Interview

Answer 10

Generating data through meaningful interactions.

Question 11

Identifying Participants

Answer 11

Aim for deep insights from a small group.

Choose participants with valuable insights.

Consider demographics, experiences, and perspectives.

Question 12

Recruitment Strategies

Answer 12

Snowball Sampling: Initial participants recommend others.

Organizational Contacts: Reach out to relevant organizations.

Direct Outreach: Use advertising, social media, personal connections.

Question 13

Recruitment Challenges

Answer 13

Ensure participants understand voluntary nature.

Some groups may be more difficult to reach.

Question 14

Interview Guide Structure

Answer 14

Key themes related to the research question

Open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses.

Probes: Follow-ups that explore topics further.

Logical flow of questions; start with easier ones.

Question 15

Question Types

Answer 15

Experiences or behaviors
Opinions or values
Feelings
Factual knowledge
Observations
Personal background

Question 16

Interview Tips

Answer 16

Use a conversational tone.
Ask “how” questions.
Avoid leading, loaded, and double-barreled questions.
Use open-ended questions.

Question 17

Preparation for Interviews

Answer 17

Dress appropriately and be on time.
Know the location and have necessary materials.
Familiarize yourself with equipment.
Use small talk to ease participants.
Use positive body language and clarify unfamiliar terms.

Question 18

Field Notes

Answer 18

Write immediately after the interview.
Document thoughts on the process and significant details.

Question 19

Transcription

Answer 19

Include relevant parts or all content.
Capture pauses, laughter, pitch, and volume changes.
Add context for participant responses.
Expect 1 hour of interview = 4-7 hours of transcribing.

Question 20

Email Interviewing

Answer 20

Series of back-and-forth exchanges.
Cost-effective and no transcription needed.
Participants can edit responses.
Suitable for busy or geographically dispersed individuals.
Varying response times and potential lack of detail.
Absence of non-verbal cues.

Question 21

Video Interviews

Answer 21

Consider participants’ off-screen environments.
Limited ability to read body language.

Question 22

Photo Elicitation

Answer 22

Participants discuss photos they take or are shown.
Elicits personal narratives and insights.

Researcher-taken photos: deductive, theory-driven.
Participant-taken photos: inductive, more meaningful.

Question 23

Conceptualizing Interviews

Answer 23

Topic - Understand the lived world of the participant.

Meaning
* Describe/understand central themes
* Interpret what is said

Description
* Obtain & capture accurate description

Specificity
* Descriptions specific situations/behaviours

Question 24

7 stages of interview research

Answer 24

Thematizing - What are you researching? Why are you doing the research?

Designing - How many interviews will be conducted? Decide between notes or recording.

Interviewing - Create a comfortable environment for participants.

Transcribing - Not just clerical; also interpretive.

Analyzing - Interpret findings to find meaning.

Verifying - Provide evidence for interpretations.

Reporting - Create a secure setting for sharing findings.

Question 25

Conceptualizing Interviews

Answer 25

Interviewing is a craft
Interviewer choices impact findings and interpretations
Maintain an open and flexible mindset.
Be aware that participants may change

Question 26

Things to Avoid in Interviews - Question Types to Avoid

Answer 26

Double-barreled questions.
Leading or loaded questions.
Dichotomous questions (especially yes/no).
Value-laden questions.

Question 27

Things to Avoid in Interviews - Behavioral Issues

Answer 27

Elicit emotional responses.
Use ridicule or intimidation.
Overpower or interrupt the participant.
Be judgmental.

Question 28

Conducting Interviews - Initial Steps

Answer 28

Informed Consent: Begin by obtaining informed consent.
Build Rapport: Establish a connection with the participant.

Question 29

Conducting Interviews - Questioning

Answer 29

First Questions: Choose the first questions carefully.
Active Listening: Listen actively and with intent, paying attention to verbal and non-verbal cues.

Question 30

Conducting Interviews - Sensitivity

Answer 30

Cultural Sensitivity: Be sensitive to language, culture, and educational differences.
Note-taking: Take notes, even if you are recording the interview.

Question 31

Closing the Interview

Answer 31

Positive Closure: Close on a positive note.
Thank the Participant: Express gratitude again.
Explain Next Steps: Clarify what you’ll do with the responses.
Initial Thoughts: Write down initial thoughts and feelings after the interview.

Question 32

Purpose of Transcription

Answer 32

Interview Process: Transcribing is part of the interview process.
Accuracy of Quotes: Ensures accuracy of quotes, essential for write-up.
Honor Participants: Honors the voices of participants.
In-Depth Analysis: Enables systematic and in-depth analysis of data.
Credibility and Trustworthiness: Increases the study’s credibility and trustworthiness.