For better or worse, the interview is where we receive a large percentage of your information on subjects or groups. The ability to conduct a successful and insightful interview will determine the depth of information you will be able to collect and the and the validity of that information. KEEP IN MIND:

• Reading off a line of questions will create a barrier between the researcher and the subject as well as produce a stale wooden rapport.
• Ask open-ended questions rather than simple yes/no queries. Don’t lead the subject.
• Questions should be clear and phrased in contextually intelligible and appropriate language.
• It’s an interview, not an interrogation. Relax, forget about getting “the” answer an establish rapport.
• Get to know the subject(s). Ask them questions about the house, family, life, etc. It’s important for them to trust the relationship and to be open.
• Add depth with follow-up questions.
• Have the subject actively demonstrate their points if possible.  “My truck makes a sound.” = Get in the truck and check it out .

NON-VERBAL PROMPTS

What you do and how you interact with your subject(s) is just as  important as what you say. Body-language and signage by your  subject(s) is also important. Make sure to pay attention to the details even if you’re making notes. Remember:

• Remove coat (coats and objects are interpreted as barriers).
• Mind that your notes or camera are not directly between you and the subject.
• Maneuver subject(s) into a seated position not facing an immediate point of egress.
• The subject should feel secure, but not enclosed.
• Be aware of your body language and inflection.
• Be observant of the body language, gesture-calls, posture, eye  movement etc. of the subject(s).
• Silence is your friend.
• Nodding but not saying anything will produce silence, which the subject will often try to fill by continuing deeper into a line of  explanation or discovery.  However, don’t spend your whole time nodding – let’s face it, it gets creapy.

Gavin