Planning research interviews

A topic in research methodology

Part of good research practice is being well prepared by planning carefully. Here are some questions for researchers to consider in relation to research interviewing.

Piloting:

Have you piloted

• your interview schedule (see below),
• your intended analytical techniques, and
• the use of any manipulatives

in advance, and modified anything that needed changing?

Access & permissions

• Have you organised Informed consent? Do you need to issue/collect forms?
• Have you prepared a brief (& debrief) for participants?
• Do you need to take permissions from authorities or identification with you?

Setting

Have you organised/negotiated a suitable place to interview? Have you considered:

• Comfort?
• Privacy?
• Child protection concerns?

Technical issues

• Have you prepared and checked any equipment? (Do you have spares?)
• Would it be sensible to use two voice recorders?
• Do you have sufficient unused memory / tape etc.
• Do you have power/lead for your equipment (will you have access to mains and/or batteries?)

Interview schedule

• Have your prepared and packed your interview schedule or guide?
• Have you checked and packed any focal materials you wish to use in the interview?
• Do you have spares?
• Do you need stationary?