1. Interviewing Techniques

2. Goals Discuss the steps involved in the interviewing process. Discuss ways to create a comfortable environment during interviews. Provide examples on probing, clarifying, and other issues involved in the interview process.

3. Before you dial Familiarize yourself with the investigation and the survey Remain enthusiastic and upbeat

4. Introduction Introduce yourself and the organization you represent Follow the survey introduction word for word Project confidence and enthusiasm Speak slowly and enunciate

5. Introduction Provide a time estimate on the duration of the interview Address confidentiality Offer contact information Obtain informed consent

6. Survey questions Ask the same questions in the same manner Remain neutral throughout the interview When necessary, prompt for clarification and probe beyond “I do not know”

7. Survey questions If the participant provides additional voluntary information, record the answer first Do not lead the participant

8. Probes It may be appropriate to have a follow- up probe ready Open-ended questions “Could you tell me more about that”? “What did you feel about that”? Closed-ended questions Offer dates, times of day, or seasonal holidays

9. Clarification Develop a protocol to deal with questions of clarification Options Repeat the information in the question Refer to pre-determined definitions Respond: “Whatever _____ means to you” Don’t be afraid to say you don’t know

10. Closing Thank the participant Provide contact information Make sure all questions are completed

11. Face-to-face Remain neutral in vocal tone, body language, and facial expressions Be attentive and maintain appropriate eye contact Be accepting of the participant Concentrate on what the participant is saying

12. Questions, problems, and solutions Examples: What sorts of questions will you ask me? What good are these surveys? How did you get my number? I do not have time to complete the survey.

13. Other issues Language problems Participant refuses to answer Impatient or tired participant Participant gets off the subject Participant does not understand the question or gives irrelevant answer Participant asks for feedback, confirmation, or additional information Participant did not know he or she had the diagnosis in question

14. Conclusions Ways to become a great interviewer: Practice Be an active listener Ask for assistance if needed Be mindful of introducing bias Be courteous and knowledgeable Maintain a professional yet friendly approach

15. References 1. Michigan Department of Agriculture. Module 7: Foodborne illness investigations, interview techniques. In: Training program for the professional food service sanitarian. Available at: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/MDA_mod_07 _21297_7.html#_Toc491503839. Accessed February 3, 2004. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/MDA_mod_07 _21297_7.html#_Toc491503839 2.Salant P, Dillman D. Chapter 8: Setting your survey in motion and getting it done. In: How to conduct your own survey. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons, Inc;1994:137-170.