PSYCHOLOGY 206

WINTER 2005

 SUGGESTED FORMAT FOR INTERVIEWS

 You will better understand the issues important to adolescents and adults if you use the semi-structured interview technique. People are usually willing to talk about their lives if they feel that the researcher will treat their information confidentially and ethically. Their comments can be a rich source of information about human development.

To be sure you get the proper information during the interview, you should develop a short list of questions in advance. The interview subject should then be encouraged to talk freely about topics related to the original questions or to explore the questions in more detail. When the interviews are analyzed, both structured answers and related information should be considered.

Select a topic of interest. You may develop an interest about a particular topic after using the other required research techniques (naturalistic observation, informal interaction, etc.). You may also using the “Suggested Topics for Interviews” handout for ideas. Read the information about this topic in 'The Developing Person Through the Life Span or other sources. Draw up a list of at least six questions that you want answered by your interview subject.

Begin the interview by telling the subject that you will be asking some questions, but he or she should feel free to expand on the topic or talk about related ideas. Set a definite schedule for the interview (such as five minutes per question) and stay on that schedule. Either tape-record the session (with your subject's permission) or take thorough notes. If a subject's answers are too brief or uninformative, follow up with questions like, "Why did you choose X?" or "Why do you think X happened?" If something the subject says seems important, follow up with additional probing questions, like "Tell me more about X." Remember, you are interested in your subject's life and ideas. Do not involve yourself in a conversation, offer advice, or talk about your own experiences during the interview, except as a way of encouraging your interviewee to talk.