Effective Interview Techniques: Strategies for Qualitative Research
Effective Interview Techniques for Qualitative Research
Interviews are usually audio recorded, although some research projects may require video recording, such as some group interviews. This doesn’t mean that researchers no longer take notes, but it is an alternative used when a respondent explicitly denies permission to be recorded. In these cases, the interviewer’s memory becomes crucial. When the issues are common and accessible, there are generally no problems with audio recording. It is recommended to use long-duration tapes, as it is inconvenient to interrupt the interview to flip or change tapes, which can disrupt the interviewee’s flow of thought. Long tapes are also recommended for studies involving repeated interviews with the same person, such as life histories.
It is important to be discreet when setting up the recording equipment. The use of small equipment or microphones that go unnoticed can help the interviewee forget about the recording process.
Although the recorder will faithfully capture the conversation, it is recommended, as Fontana and Frey advise, that the interviewer take notes quickly and consistently, regardless of the circumstances. Write down everything that comes to mind, even if it seems irrelevant at the time. It is also advisable to review the notes during the interview, even if briefly.
Interview Strategies
Qualitative researchers generally avoid rigid formulas or ‘cookbooks’ to achieve good results. However, we can identify frequently used strategies to establish rapport and conduct an ideal interview. The first step is to ensure the practitioner has the option of choosing the most appropriate respondents, flexible and experienced interviewers, and a suitable time and place for smooth and unhurried communication.
Drawing from the tactics proposed by M. Vallés and P. Corbetta, we will discuss:
Tactics of Pause or Rest
Pauses are appropriate in certain cases to allow the interviewee to recall, remember, or reflect on previously mentioned events or situations. Providing this time shows respect for the interviewee without imposing an unnatural conversational rhythm, ensuring the non-directive nature of the research tool. The limit is when silence becomes awkward and disrupts the interaction. It is imperative to avoid awkward silences that might disrupt the interview’s flow.
Stimulus or Animation Tactics
In most cases, simply showing interest through ritual gestures, noises, and congruent vocal expressions is sufficient. A closer look, accompanied by head movements or expressions such as ‘Yes,’ ‘Yes?’, ‘Mmm,’ ‘I see,’ or ‘How interesting!’ can be enough to maintain the narrative and encourage the interviewee. This assures them that they are meeting the goals established at the beginning of the conversation.
Tactical Development
This involves encouraging the individual to provide more details and nuances relevant to the interpretation of the subject matter. The interviewer makes invitations after the subject’s intervention or shortly after. Standard formulations are similar to ‘I understand,’ ‘Continue,’ ‘Later?’, ‘How did you feel at that time?’. This interest is expressed verbally and allows the interviewee’s speech to flow.
Tactical Repetition
This tactic offers two options: repeating a question in a different way or simply repeating a phrase or word from the respondent’s reply: “If I heard right, you told me that…”. The second alternative is more desirable than the first and is usually proposed a few minutes after the interviewee’s statement. This demonstrates the investigator’s interest more intensely.