1. Conducting Group Interviews
Methods and Techniques

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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