Conducting a research interview: knowing the main tips

Conducting effective research interviews requires careful preparation, building trust, formulating clear questions, active listening, focusing on the conversation, managing emotions, and good timing. These practices guarantee quality data, enriching the experience of both sides.

Introduction

Did you know that the quality of research interviews can significantly impact the results of a study? Conducting a research interview is an essential skill for any researcher, especially in the information age in which we live. Qualitative interviews are powerful tools for collecting rich and meaningful data, allowing researchers to understand the experiences, perceptions and meanings that participants attribute to different phenomena (McGrath, Palmgren, & Liljedahl, 2018). The effectiveness of an interview depends on the construction of an environment of trust, as well as the formulation of clear and relevant questions, and the ability to listen actively and adapt to the answers of the interviewees (Kvale, 2023).

In this article, we will present seven basic tips for conducting effective investigative interviews. These guidelines will not only help maximize the quality of the collected data, but will also enrich the experience for both the interviewer and the interviewee.

1. Prepare yourself for an Effective Interview

Preparation is key for the success of any interview. Before becoming an interviewee, it is crucial that you know the topic of the research and have a clear understanding of the context in which the interview will occur. Isso included:

• Preliminary Research: Study the matter in question and familiarize yourself with existing literature. This will not only help you formulate more relevant questions, but it will also allow you to ask more informed accompanying questions (Jacob & Furgerson, 2012).
• Meet the Interviewee: If possible, do a brief investigation about the interviewee. Understanding your history, experiences and perspectives can help you formulate questions that answer with you and encourage a more open conversation.
• Prepare a Roteiro de Perguntas: Create a set of open-ended questions that guide conversation, but also allow flexibility. Open questions encourage more elaborate and deep answers, while dated questions can be limited to discussion (Terry, 2003).

2. Establish a Confident Environment during the interview

The construction of report It is essential for the success of a research interview. An atmosphere of trust allows the interviewee to feel willing to share their experiences and opinions honestly. Some strategies to establish that connection include:

• Personal Presentation: Start the interview with a brief presentation about yourself and the purpose of the research. This helps humanize the interaction and create a safe space (Klein, 2024).
• Empathy and Active Listening: Demonstrate empathy and genuine interest in the interviewee's answers. Use active escuta techniques, such as acenos de Cabeça e expressões facialis que mostrem que você está engajado na conversa (Kvale, 2023).
• Avoid Juggling: Maintain a neutral posture and avoid making judgments about the interviewee's answers. Isso encourages opening (McGrath et al., 2018).

3. Ask Clear and Relevant Questions

Clarity in the formulation of questions is essential to avoid confusion and ensure that the interviewee understands what is being asked. Some tips for asking effective questions include:

• Use Simple Languages: Avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse or confuse you. Use an accessible language that facilitates understanding (Jacob & Furgerson, 2012).
• Be Specific: Vague questions can lead to equally vague answers. Try to be as specific as possible in your questions to obtain more detailed information.
• Avoid Sent Questions: Questions that suggest a desired answer may influence the interviewee's answers. Keep your questions neutral and open (Terry, 2003).

4. Practice Escuta Ativa to conduct an effective interview

A escutativa is a crucial skill in qualitative interviews. This involves not only hearing the interviewee's words, but also understanding the emotional context and nuances of their responses. Some techniques to improve active listening include:

• Faça Accompanying Questions: When the interviewee mentions something interesting or relevant, do not hesitate to ask accompanying questions. This demonstrates that you are hooked and interested in your answers (Kvale, 2023).
• Summarize and Reflect: After a response, make a summary of what you heard and refer to this. Isso does not just confirm that you understand correctly, but also gives each interviewee the opportunity to clarify or expand his ideas.
• Observe Body Language: Pay attention to the body language of the interviewee. Many times, emotions and feelings are expressed through gestures and facial expressions, which can provide additional information about your responses (McGrath et al., 2018).

5. Maintain the Focus of the Interview in Research

During an interview, it is common for the conversation to deviate from the main topic. To ensure that you obtain the necessary information, it is important to maintain focus. Some strategies include:

• Use a Schedule: Define a schedule for the interview and stay within it. This helps ensure that all important topics are addressed (Jacob & Furgerson, 2012).
• Redirect with Delicacy: If a conversation begins to deviate, gently redirect it to the main topic. You may be asking a question that returns to the focus of the discussion.
• Esteja Prepared for Flexibility: It is important to maintain focus, it is also essential to be open to new directions that you can take. Sometimes, detours can lead to valuable insights (Terry, 2003).

6. Deal with Unexpected Emotions and Reactions during a research interview

Interviews can evoke intense emotions, both for the interviewer and the interviewee. It is important to be prepared to deal with these emotions in a sensitive and respectful way. Some tips include:

• Recognize Emotions: If the interviewee shows strong emotions, such as sadness or anger, he or she acknowledges this. A simple statement like “It seems like this is very difficult for you” can help validate your feelings (Klein, 2024).
• From Space: If the interviewee needs a moment to compose himself, he is willing to give that space. Pressing to continue can be counterproductive.
• Keep Calm: As an interviewer, it is important to maintain calm and composure, even in emotionally charged situations. Isso helps create a safe and controlled environment (Kvale, 2023).

7. Thank you at the end of an interview

At the end of the research interview, it is essential to express gratitude to the interviewee for sharing their experiences and opinions. This does not just reinforce the relationship of trust, but it can also open doors for future interactions. Some ways to say thank you include:

• Verbal Acknowledgement: Express your gratitude sincerely at the end of the interview. Saying something like “Thank you very much for sharing your experiences with me” can have a positive impact (McGrath et al., 2018).
• Offer a Summary: If appropriate, offer a summary of what you learned during the interview. This demonstrates that you valued the time and the contributions of the interviewee.
• Keep in touch: If possible, maintain or contact the interviewee after the interview. This can be useful for future research and also to build a contact network (Jacob & Furgerson, 2012).

Conclusion

Conducting an effective investigative interview requires interpersonal skills, careful planning, and the ability to adapt to the dynamics of the conversation. By following the guidelines presented in this article, researchers can maximize the quality of two collated data and enrich their qualitative analyses. The practice of qualitative interviews does not only contribute to academic research, but also offers a valuable opportunity to understand human experiences more deeply.

As technology advances, tools like requalify.ai can help researchers optimize their interviews and analyses, providing richer and more meaningful insights. By integrating artificial intelligence and data analysis, the future of qualitative interviews promises to be even more dynamic and informative. Therefore, as you prepare for your next interview, take these steps and consider how technology can enhance your research practice.

References

Jacob, S.A., & Furgerson, S.P. (2012). Writing interview protocols and conducting interviews: Tips for students new to the field of qualitative research. The Qualitative Report, 17(42), 1-10. Retrieved from https://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr/vol17/iss42/3/

Klein, L.B. (2024). Imposter participants in online qualitative interviews: A protocol for trauma-informed and equitable decision-making. The Qualitative Report, 29(8), 1-15. Retrieved from https://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr/vol29/iss8/6/

Kvale, S. (2023). The qualitative research interview. Journal of Philosophy, Psychology and Scientific Methods, 14(1-2), 171-182. Retrieved from https://brill.com/view/journals/jpp/14/1-2/article-p171_9.xml

McGrath, C., Palmgren, P.J., & Liljedahl, M. (2018). Twelve tips for conducting qualitative research interviews. International Journal of Medical Education, 9, 320-325. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0142159X.2018.1497149

Terry, M. (2003). Best practices in interviewing. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 2(4), 1-12. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/104515950301400408