Describe key features of the interview as a research method in psychology Design an interview schedule including aim, questions and ethical code of conduct Conduct 3 minute practice interviews Conduct one real interview Begin to evaluate the use of interviews by discussing a range of ‘brainy quotes’ Aims and Objectives

Social Psychology How science works Describe the survey as a research method in psychology, including the questionnaire and interview Identify, describe and apply unstructured, structured and semi-structured interviews, open and closed questions Evaluate the survey including interviews as a research method, including strengths and weaknesses, and the issues of reliability, validity and subjectivity. Social Psychology How science works

What is meant by the term interview? Gathering information in response to face –to-face questioning Questions can be clarified and expanded upon Answers can be explored in more detail modifying the set questions or asking new ones Allows Pps to be reassured and may improve the access to data Collection of mainly qualitative data which forms a story or narrative about a certain topic

Different types of interview Structured: set format of standardised questions Semi-structured: set questions but these can be varied and expanded upon Unstructured: No set format for the questions, allows interviewer to follow the natural progression of the conversation

Interview schedules Advance planning ensures information gathered addresses the research aims Pps should be involved with the design of the schedule i.e. the time and duration are convenient they are happy with the type of questions to be asked they understand their rights with regards to ethical guidelines

Interview Content: The questions Collecting some personal data about the person being interviewed Thoughts about group identity: school uniform, house system, sports teams Feelings about group membership Changes in thoughts and feelings Experiences of in-group and out-group behaviour Violence and bullying Antisocial and pro-social behaviour Obedience and conformity Interview Content: The questions

Interview ‘Process’: Taking notes Not what they say but the way it is said HOW the interviewee responds (talks and behaves) gives greater insight into the content Observations may confirm, enrich, and sometimes even contradict the content Does the interviewee sound confident/uncertain, confused/clear, convincing/doubtful, rational/illogical, etc? What emotions are shown and when? Interview ‘Process’: Taking notes

Steps in Conducting the Interview ESTABLISH RAPPORT: Be polite and welcoming; explain project very breifly DESCRIBE THE PROJECT: Share the interview schedule and go through the code of ethics, OBTAIN INFORMED CONSENT; Ask them to sign your interview schedule CONDUCT THE INTERVIEW: Keep your prompts/questions close to hand ENDING THE INTERVIEW: Summarize, a chance to ask questions, say thank you. TAKE NOTES: Sit down immediately and jot down your impressions of the interview Steps in Conducting the Interview

Improving your technique Clarification: "Could you tell me more about the part about xxx" Reflection: "So you say that you feel warm when you hold your baby, can you tell me a bit more about that feeling?” Encouragement: "The part about xxx is interesting. Could you tell me more about that?" Comment: "That part about xxx sounds quite scary, how did you feel when..." Spur: “Some people would say that ...do you ever think that…“ Summary: "So what your saying is ..." Improving your technique

Open Questions “Why do you think your baby looks at you in that way?” Closed Questions “How many children do you have?” Extension Questions Q: Where did you have your baby? A: At home; Extension Question (Closed) Q: Was this planned? Extension Question (Open) Q: Why did you choose to have your baby at home? Echo Questions You say you were worried that you wouldn’t be able to cope, was there any particular reason for that or was it just a general; feeling? Direct Questions What exactly were you looking for when you chose your childcare provider? Summary Questions To clarify, you felt “unsure about how happy your child would be” XX nursery? Types of question

Interviews Extension Work TASK: Look at the quotes and try to explain what you think they might be saying about the worth of interviews as a means of collecting data in psychology PROMPT: Are there are any that relate to validity, reliability, ethics, practicality, how easy they are to complete? Interviews