Conducting An Interview Gathering Expert/Eyewitness Information
Step 1: Gather Background Information O Become knowledgeable about the topic in order to select a potential interviewee and create intelligent questions O Read multiple digital and/or print resources Books Periodicals (magazines, newspapers, journals) Databases Websites
Step 2: Identify A Candidate O Expert: someone who is very knowledgeable about the topic O Eyewitness: someone who saw something happen in-person O Participant: someone who was involved in an activity/event
Step 3: Create Questions O Specific O Open-ended (avoid yes/no questions) O Edit list of questions eliminate irrelevant and redundant questions list remaining questions logically and in order of importance check questions for clarity approximate the amount of time needed to ask
Step 4: Schedule An Interview O Contact interviewee in-person, by phone, via /regular mail O Websites often have contact info. O Be polite and accommodating O Identify yourself, explain the purpose of the interview, and how much time it will take O Reveal the kind of questions that will be asked
Step 5: Conduct The Interview O Be punctual, polite, and prepared O Take notes O Ask permission to record and/or use quotes O Give the interviewee plenty of time to respond thoughtfully O Ask for clarification or elaboration when necessary
Step 6: Use Information O After the interview, fill in any information or details that time did not permit while it is still fresh in your mind O Review notes and highlight or circle information to use in project/report.
Step 7: Give Credit O Give credit to the interviewee in the bibliography/source citation O Write a thank you letter to the interviewee