Dr. Robert Sirabian
Fys 101: Group Project - extracurriculars

Conducting interviews
  1. What is the purpose of the interview?  It is a primary research tool you will use to obtain information.  As you draft interview questions, think about information you would like to obtain.  Since you will be conducting the interview together, you can divide questions and take turns asking questions.
  2. Set up the interview in advance, and let the person know the purpose of the interview as well as the time you'll need. Ask if you can contact him or her for any follow-up questions.
  3. Be sure to thank the person for his or her time.
  4. Interviews should be about 15-20 mins., 6-8 Questions. Have extra questions to use in case you have extra time.
  5. Use a variety of question types: 1.) open-ended questions--very broad, more than "yes" or "no" 2.) direct open-ended questions--broad but framed; aim for a specific focus 3.) closed-ended questions--"yes" or "no" responses or short answers 4.) restatement questions--restate previous question for modification of previous response.
  6. Questions should be presented to the person in a logical order (not randomly).
  7. Take careful and thorough notes during the interview; review them for accuracy and add your observations afterwards. During the interview, double check direct quotations for accuracy. Record direct quotations you think might be useful for your report. **You can use your phone to record interviews, but always ask the interviewee before the interview if this is ok.**
  8. Be sure to thank the interviewee and ask if it is ok to contact him or her with follow-up questions.