Individual Interviews
Who is My Neighbor: Guides for Congregational Research
Grace Klinefelter, Zoe Parish, and Erica Collin, St. Olaf College
What is an interview?
Interviews are a popular method of collecting data in which open-ended questions are asked to participants. Participants then respond to the prompts in their own words.
Setting
Usually done in a small group setting with one participant and one to three interviewers. Comfortable, accessible, and welcoming space.
Recording
1. Note taking, though this can interfere with the interview process.
2. Video or audio record the interview. Only done with explicit consent of participant.
Note taking can be distracting for the interviewers as it may impede their ability to fully understand answers. One way to prevent this is to take short, simple notes on key phrases to help remember the participant’s answers.
If the participant agrees to be recorded, test the equipment multiple times before the interview begins to ensure its functionality. Be sure to develop a comfortable space for your participant and assure them of any confidentiality concerns.
Types of Interviews
1. Structured
2. Unstructured
3. Semi-Structured
1. In structured interviews, each participant is asked the same questions decided before the interview began. All questions are in the same order with the same wording. This process can be seen as limiting but it is far easier to code, compare, and analyze data.
2. Unstructured interviews begin with broad questions concerning the area of research and then base the following questions off of what answers the participant gave. This process is extremely flexible and allows for the participants’ thoughts and responses to be explored in-depth.
3. Semi-Structured interviews consist mainly of an interview guide to collect similar responses from participants but still allow the fluidity of unstructured interviews where interviewers can explore interesting answers. This type allows for an opportunity to easily compare and analyze data with the broadness of unstructured interviews.
Interview Considerations
Before: create a comfortable environment for the participant in a private location, seating a reasonable distance apart, limitations on outside distractions, and accommodations for the participant such as a glass of water, tea, or coffee.
Beginning: explain the reasoning for the interview, what the participant should expect from the experience, and the general path in which the questions will follow. This is a good opportunity to establish a good rapport and trust between the interviewer and participant.
During: before asking the next questions, make sure that the participant has completely finished their response to the previous prompt. It is best to summarize their response before moving on to ensure they have said everything they intended to. As a researcher, be prepared to jump into the natural flow of the interview. This may lead to shifting your preconceived notions of what the responses would be.
After: As the participant is finishing their last response to the prompts, ask them if there is anything else they wish to share. If not, thank them for their time and explain the purpose of your research and how their responses will contribute to the project. Congratulate yourself on an interview well done!
Steps
Introduction: Describe aim of interview.
Warm-Up: Begin with easy questions to ease any tension.
Main Body: Focus on main topic of study.
Cool-Off: Simple questions to conclude interview.
Closure: Thank participants and explain goal.
Bibliography
Find more resources regarding interview research here.
Alsaawi, Ali. 2014. “A Critical Review of Qualitative Interviews.” European Journal of Business and Social Sciences 3 (4).
Baker, Sarah Elsie, and Rosalind Edwards. 2012. “How Many Qualitative Interviews Is Enough.”
Doody, Owen, and Maria Noonan. 2013. “Preparing and Conducting Interviews to Collect Data.” Nurse Researcher 20 (5): 28–32. https://doi.org/10.7748/nr2013.05.20.5.28.e327.
Edwards, Rosalind, and Janet Holland. 2013. What Is Qualitative Interviewing? Bloomsbury Academic.
Randall, William L, and Cassandra Phoenix. 2009. “The Problem with Truth in Qualitative Interviews: Reflections from a Narrative Perspective.” Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise 1 (2): 125–40.
Roulston, Kathryn. 2010. “Considering Quality in Qualitative Interviewing.” Qualitative Research 10 (2): 199–228. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468794109356739.
Williams Jr, J Allen. 1968. “Interviewer Role Performance: A Further Note on Bias in the Information Interview.” Public Opinion Quarterly 32 (2): 287–94.