Using Interviews

Interviews provide in-depth information about a particular research issue or question. While quantitative research methods gather a small amount of information from many subjects, interviews gather a broad range of information from a few subjects.

A good interview is the art and science of exploring the subjective knowledge, opinions, and beliefs of an individual. The knowledge, opinions, and beliefs of that person are considered a "system." The purpose of the interview is to explore that system as it relates to the focus of our interview.

We look at how all the statements made by the interviewee are inter-related. What are the contradictions or consistencies? What is the "big picture" of what the interviewee is trying to say – and how does each statement from the interviewee relate to this big picture? The interview is a "holistic" research method: all the bits of data from the interviewee provide you this "big picture" that transcends any one single bit of data.

A structured interview consists of a list of specific questions. The interviewer does not deviate from the list or inject any extra remarks into the interview process. The interviewer may encourage the interviewee to clarify vague statements or to further elaborate on brief comments. The structured interview is mostly a "question and answer" session.

The Content versus the Process of the Interview
The "content" of the interview is WHAT the interviewee says. This is the easiest component of the interview to study, and tends to be what the novice focusses on. The most accurate way to record the content of the interview is by using a tape recorder (you will need to get permission).
The "process" of the interview is a much more elusive but powerful component of the interview. It involves reading between the lines of what the interviewee says. It involves noticing HOW he or she talks and behaves during the interview. HOW the interviewee responds will give you more insights into the content of what he or she says. Your observations of the interview process may confirm, enrich, and sometimes even contradict the content of what the person says.

Think of the structured interview as a standardized situation to which interviewees are exposed. The questions you ask everyone may be exactly the same, but everyone will react to the interview situation differently. These differences can be very informative! They reveal the "process." They will tell you much about the big picture of each interview session.

To explore the interview process, consider these sorts of questions:

·      When does the interviewee sound confident or uncertain, confused or clear, convincing or doubtful, rational or illogical, etc?

·      Does the interviewee ever contradict himself or herself?

·      At what points does the interviewee show enthusiasm and emotion? What kind of emotion?

·      What is the interviewee's body language? When does it change?

·      How does the interviewee speak: slow or fast, soft or loud, clear or mumbled, with simple or elaborate language, etc.?

·      Does the interviewee's appearance provide any insights?

One very important source of information about the process of the interview is how you personally react to the person. Ask yourself these questions:
·      What thoughts and feelings are stirred up in you: irritation, excitement, boredom, anger, inspiration, affection, jealousy, confusion, etc?

·      How did you behave during the interview?

·      Can you pinpoint when your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors change in reaction to the interviewee?

  ·      Do you react differently to different interviewees? What might these differences tell you about the interviewee's response to the interview (and what do they tell you about yourself)?
Understanding the "process" of the interview is difficult. Getting good at it takes experience. Tape recording of the interview is helpful, but also be sure to jot down ideas immediately after the session – especially ideas about your personal reactions to the interview.
In addition to interviewing people on the street, one can also interview in many different situations and for a variety of purposes. It can be used in the church to bring clarity to issues or to catch a vision of the people for the future.
In each case, it is essential to have a plan: 1) the needed information, 2) the questions that need to be asked, 3) who will be questioned, 4) when and where it will happen, 5) whether it an attempt to record it will be made, and 6) assure people of their anonymity. These are only some of the elements of a plan.
Remember Rick Warren and Bill Hybels both did extensive door-to-door interviewing in their neighborhoods before they had their first service. Robert Schuler once said, “Find a need and fill it.”
Who are the people you want to interview?
What would you like to ask them?
Where and when you might meet these people?