1. CM 220 Unit 3 Seminar Professor Aubuchon, M.A. General Education, Composition Kaplan University 1

2. Unit 3 Activities Reading: Introduction to unit; Qualitative research article; Interview Tips (WC); Research Resources (WC) Invention lab: Reflection on senate hearing videos from Rogers and Gore Seminar: Conducting mock interviews and discussion of listening skills 2

3. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES Primary source: “A primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event. Some types of primary sources include: ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (excerpts or translations acceptable): Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records CREATIVE WORKS: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art RELICS OR ARTIFACTS: Pottery, furniture, clothing, buildings “ (What is a primary source, 2009). 3

4. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES, 2 Examples of primary sources include: Diary of Anne Frank - Experiences of a Jewish family during WWII The Constitution of Canada - Canadian History A journal article reporting NEW research or findings Weavings and pottery - Native American history Plato's Republic - Women in Ancient Greece (What is a primary source, 2009) 4

5. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES, 3 SECONDARY SOURCES: “A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Secondary sources may have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources in them. Some types of seconday sources include: PUBLICATIONS: Textbooks, magazine articles, histories, criticisms, commentaries, encyclopedias ” (What is a primary source, 2009) 5

6. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES, 4 EXAMPLES OF SECONDARY SOURCES: A journal/magazine article which interprets or reviews previous findings A history textbook A book about the effects of WWI (What is a primary source, 2009). 6

7. INTERVIEWS Is this a PRIMARY or SECONDARY source? What are the benefits of conducting an interview? Is all interview information useful and reliable? How do you determine what information is useful and reliable? 7

8. How to Conduct an Interview 1.Select interview subject 2.Prepare for interview 3.Conduct interview 4.Follow up 8

9. SELECT INTERVIEW SUBJECT Who would be a good source of information for your subject? How well known is this person? Is this person an expert on the subject? How do you locate this person? How do you request and schedule an interview? 9

10. PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW Research your interviewee Establish a goal or purpose for the interview Prepare questions in advance Prioritize the questions 10

11. COMING UP WITH QUESTIONS Ask yourself: “What do I need to know?” Write a list of things you want to find out Write a list of questions that will help your interviewee discuss this information Avoid biased questions: “Don’t you think we could improve campus parking by building another parking garage?” Check the questions carefully to see if the wording could be offensive to your interviewee (How to conduct an interview, 2008). 11

12. YES/NO vs OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS Yes/no questions can be answered with a simple yes or no. They may not be very productive or illicit much information. Ask OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS, questions that allow the interviewee to explain, clarify and defend an idea. Yes/no: Will you support the new tax increase? Open Ended: How will increased taxes benefit or hurt local businesses? 12

13. During the Interview Be gracious and thank the person for his or her time. Respect this person’s time by being on time and prepared. Pay attention to what the person is saying and use the opportunity to ask follow up questions Take notes or record the interview (with permission) Stick to the subject but be flexible. 13

14. LISTENING SKILLS When you interview or are the subject of an interview, listening is a very important skill. Look at your interviewee. We learn a lot from a person’s facial expressions, tone, posture, eye contact. How can YOU show you are listening and paying attention? 14

15. FOLLOW UP A follow up thank you note would be appropriate. Transcribe your notes as quickly as possible after the interview. Give the interviewee an opportunity to review the notes to be sure they are accurate. 15

16. YOUR TURN Whom would you like to interview and why? What questions would you like to ask? What kind of information would you like to get from the interview? How will you arrange the interview? 16

17. WORKSHOP Partner with a classmate. Prepare questions. Interview your subject. Report your findings. 17