Checklist - interviews

[Bell: Doing your research project (p143)]

1. Decide what you need to know:
List all the items about which you need to know

2. Ask yourself why you need this information:
Examine your list and remove any item that is not directly associated with the task

3. Is an interview the best way of obtaining the information?

4. If so, begin to devise questions in outline.
The final form of questions will depend on the type of interview.

5. Decide the type of interview:
A structured interview will produce structured responses. Is this what you want, or is a more open approach required?

6. Refine the questions.
Write questions on cards. Check wording.

7. Consider how many questions will be analysed.

8. Prepare an interview schedule or guide.
Consider the order of questions. Prepare prompts in case the respondent does not provide essential information freely.

9. Pilot your schedule.
Schedules need to be tested, and you need practice in asking questions and recording responses.

10. Revise the schedule, if necessary.
Take account of pilot respondents' comments.

11. Do your best to avoid bias.

12. Select who to interview.
Try to select a representative sample.

13. Try to fix a time and place in which you will not be disturbed.

14. Make sure official channels have been cleared, and let interviewees see any protocol documents beforehand.
A letter from your supervisor explaining the purpose of the research will be helpful.

15. Introduce yourself, explain the purpose of the research, even if you have a letter.
Say what you intend to do with the information the interviewee gives. Agree anonymity or whether statements can be attributed.

16. Say how long the interview will last.
Do your utmost to not exceed the time limit.

17. Try to check the accuracy of your notes with respondents (particularly items quoted in the report)
This will take time. Remember to allow for it in your planning.

18. Decide whether to tape-record the interview.
Remember it will take a long time to transcribe. Permission must be given.

19. Honesty and integrity are important.
Make no promises that cannot be fulfilled.

20. Common sense and good manners will take you a long way.

21. Don't queer the pitch for other researchers by disenchanting respondents with the whole notion of research participation.