Field Research: Conducting an Interview A workshop brought to you by the Purdue University Writing Lab This presentation is designed to teach students techniques and etiquette for effective interviewing when conducting field research for their classes. Purdue University Writing Lab

How to Conduct an Interview Making contact with your interviewee Preparing for the interview Coming up with Questions Meeting with your interviewee Following up on your interview This screen provides an overview of the major points for discussion in this presentation. Purdue University Writing Lab

Setting up the Interview Contact the potential interviewee in advance Be sure that you ask for the interview. This person is doing you a favor Arrange a specific time and place, and let the interviewee know how much time it will take Identify the topic that you will be discussing during the interview This screen emphasizes the importance of etiquette in the interviewing process. Remind students that the more polite and thoughtful they are, the more their interviewee will be willing to help them. Purdue University Writing Lab

Preparing for the interview Be sure to write out a list of questions in advance Find out whatever information you can about the person you’re interviewing Decide which questions are highest priority if time runs short Decide what your goals are for the interview This point in the presentation can be a good time to stop and brainstorm possible questions with your students. Purdue University Writing Lab

Coming up with Questions Ask yourself: “What is it that I need to know? Write down a list of things that you are hoping to find out Write a list of questions that you think will lead to these answers Check the questions carefully to see if the wording could be offensive to your interviewee This screen provides more brainstorming material. Purdue University Writing Lab

Meeting the Interviewee Always bring a stiff-backed notebook and several trustworthy writing instruments If you wish to tape-record your interview, always ask before doing so Keep notes on the interview, but make sure that you are still talking to the interviewee, not just scribbling It’s worthwhile to remind your students here that details like pens that work and well-sharpened pencils can make the difference between a successful interview and an unsuccessful one. This screen is also a good place to discuss the ethical obligations that the interviewer has to the interviewee. Purdue University Writing Lab

Meeting the Interviewee(cont.) Be sure that you come to the interview with a prepared list of questions (more than you think you’ll need!) Try to stick to the topic at hand, but be ready to be flexible if your interviewee brings up unexpected but valuable information. Purdue University Writing Lab

Purdue University Writing Lab Online Interviewing If you need to interview via email, don’t forget to ask permission for the interview Make sure that you establish the scope of the interview and the amount of time the interviewee is committing to. Remember that the same rules of courtesy still apply Online interviewing is becoming an increasingly common form of field research, but students must remember that they still owe it to their interviewee to ask in advance and to indicate the nature and scope of the interview. Instructors may wish to use our PowerPoint on email etiquette as a supplement to this presentation if they are encouraging email interviews. Purdue University Writing Lab

Following up the Interview Always be sure to thank your interviewee, orally and in writing Once you have written up your results, let your interviewee see the results, in order to confirm that you’ve represented him/her accurately Write up your results soon after the interview while they’re fresh in your mind Instructors should remind their students of the importance of courtesy. This screen can also afford an opportunity to comment on the importance of verification for academic research. Purdue University Writing Lab

Conducting an Interview Remember, conducting a successful interview involves attention to each of the following steps: Making contact Preparing for the interview Meeting the interviewee Following up on the interview Purdue University Writing Lab

Where can you go for more help with field research? The Writing Lab Heavilon Hall Room 226 494-3723 http://owl.english.purdue.edu Or email owl@owl.english.purdue.edu with brief questions. Purdue University Writing Lab