Conducting Group Interviews Methods and Techniques

Why do we interview? To collect information about units and programs To verify information in documents and other exhibits To clarify information in exhibit rooms To put a human face on institutions

Types of interviews 1. Individual interviews – facts and details 2. Group interviews – some facts and details, but mostly impressions, experiences and opinions

Planning the interview Arrive on time, if not a few minutes early Always be prepared, with pre-written questions* Use name tags or cards to identify participants Arrange seats in non-hierarchical manner Do not seat BOE members next to each other Try to keep the groups to less than ten persons

During the actual interview… Make introductions Explain the nature of the visit Go over the topics you hope to cover/time constraints Explain that what is said will be written about in aggregate, names not revealed Establish privacy – no observers, guests Be pleasant, smile Assign a BOE member to take notes

Types of outcome-based questions Open-ended How, why, what? What if…? Can you give me examples of…? Can you remember a time when…? Other types Role playing Centered on exhibits Centered on change Non-question

Act as a facilitator Your goal is to get participants talking among themselves Do not use NCATE jargon You work to get everyone participating Watch body language Draw people out

Hone your listening skills Stop talking Seek to understand – ask for clarification Listen for facts and emotions Don’t try to formulate the next question while the participants are talking Use wait-time

How to handle “hoggers” Direct your questions to different people Say “Let’s get some comments from others” or “We’ll come back to you.” Cut-off by paraphrasing Use body-language A hand, nod, glance at watch

After the interview Ask the non-question – Is there anything that anyone wants to talk about that we did not cover? Thank the participants for participating Review the notes asap Share and compare your impressions of the interview with team members