Interviewing Principles and Guidelines

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InterviewingPrinciples and Guidelines

• Dr. Carolyn M. Byerly
• Associate Professor
• Department of Journalism

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What is interview method?

• An interactional method of data gathering
• in which a trained researcher
• uses questions to obtain information
• for a specific purpose
• from human participants
• In face-to-face (or mediated) communication.

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What is meant by interactional?

• Interviews employ an exchange between interviewer
  and human participant in a question-answer
  format.

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Research value of interviews

• Human experience matters in the search for truth
• Knowledge is always personal
• The personal is always original and authentic
• The person is a source of useful data

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Ethical guidelines

• Interviews are a gift be appreciative
• Use your power wisely interviews are not an
  equal relationship
• Listen carefully and clarify when necessary
• Record everything you learn accurately
• Be respectful toward participants

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Kinds of interviews

• Loosely structured (dialogue, open-ended)
• Q. What makes a good news program?
• Semi-structured (directed open-ended)
• Q. Which of the major news programs do you watch?
• Structured (closed-ended)
• Q. Which of the following radio stations to you
  listen to? list
• Some combination of the above

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What is an interview schedule?

• A list of questions that the researcher will ask
  participants in the study.
• NOTE An interview schedule may also include
  probes, or cues to help solicit detail.

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Proper interview etiquette

• Set appointment in advance
• Clarify purpose
• Specify amount of time needed
• Answer participant questions about project
• Be on time
• Be friendly but professional

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Sequencing an interview

• Level 1 safe exchanges
• Thanks so much for coming, especially on such a
  cold day. Did you have far to drive?
• Level 2 requires trust
• I know you lost your broadcast license in 1999.
  Can you tell me more about the situation?
• Level 3 involves full disclosure
• How has loss of your business affected your life
  and career?

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Other guidelines

• Keep the interview on track
• Use probes or gentle reminders
• Let participants skip questions or end early
• An IRB requirement
• Keep clear, accurate records

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Getting IRB Approval

• Know who needs to sign off
• Write a clear, well-organized application
• Submit it to IRB at least a month before you plan
  to start work
• Do not begin interviewing till you get approval

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What to include in your IRB application

• Face page (signatures)
• Purpose significance
• Timeline for work
• Personnel (PI others)
• Method procedures
• Population to be sampled
• Selection of participants
• Risks benefits to participants
• Consent form

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Changing something in the plan requires IRB
approval

• You must submit a letter to IRB if you
• Add or change personnel
• Change the research procedures
• You must receive approval for these changes.