Conducting a research interview: learn the main tips

Conducting effective research interviews requires careful preparation, building trust, asking clear questions, active listening, focusing on the conversation, managing emotions, and closing effectively. These practices ensure quality data, enriching the experience for both parties.

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 we live in. 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 building an environment of trust, formulating clear and relevant questions, and the ability to actively listen and adapt to interviewees’ responses (Kvale, 2023).

In this article, we’ll walk you through seven key tips for conducting effective research interviews. These guidelines will not only help you maximize the quality of the data you collect, but will also enrich the experience for both the interviewer and the interviewee.

1. Prepare Well for an Effective Interview

Preparation is key to the success of any interview. Before meeting with your interviewee, it is crucial that you are familiar with the research topic and have a clear understanding of the context in which the interview will take place. This includes:

• Prior Research: Study the topic at hand and familiarize yourself with the existing literature. This will not only help you formulate more relevant questions, but it will also allow you to ask more informed follow-up questions (Jacob & Furgerson, 2012).
• Meet the Interviewee: If possible, do a little research on your interviewee. Understanding their background, experiences, and perspectives can help you formulate questions that resonate with them and encourage a more open conversation.
• Develop a Question Script: Create a set of open-ended questions that guide the conversation but also allow for flexibility. Open-ended questions encourage more elaborate and in-depth responses, while closed-ended questions can limit discussion (Terry, 2003).

2. Establish an Environment of Trust during the Interview

The construction of rapport is essential to the success of a research interview. An environment of trust allows the interviewee to feel comfortable sharing their experiences and opinions honestly. Some strategies for establishing this connection include:

• Personal Presentation: Begin the interview with a brief introduction about yourself and the purpose of the research. This helps to humanize the interaction and create a safe space (Klein, 2024).
• Empathy and Active Listening: Show empathy and genuine interest in the interviewee’s answers. Use active listening techniques, such as nodding and facial expressions that show that you are engaged in the conversation (Kvale, 2023).
• Avoid Judgments: Maintain a neutral stance and avoid making judgments about the interviewee’s answers. This encourages openness (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 formulating effective questions include:

• Use Plain Language: Avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse the interviewee. Use 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 get more detailed information.
• Avoid Biased Questions: Questions that suggest a desired response can influence the interviewee's answers. Keep your questions neutral and open-ended (Terry, 2003).

4. Practice Active Listening to Conduct an Effective Interview

Active listening is a crucial skill in qualitative interviews. It involves not only hearing the interviewee’s words, but also understanding the emotional context and nuances of their responses. Some techniques for improving active listening include:

• Ask Follow-up Questions: When the interviewee mentions something interesting or relevant, don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions. This shows that you are engaged and interested in their answers (Kvale, 2023).
• Summarize and Reflect: After a response, summarize what you heard and reflect on it. This not only confirms that you understood correctly, but also gives the interviewee an opportunity to clarify or expand on their ideas.
• Observe Body Language: Pay attention to the interviewee’s body language. Emotions and feelings are often expressed through gestures and facial expressions, which can provide additional information about their responses (McGrath et al., 2018).

5. Keep the Interview Focused on Research

During an interview, it’s common for the conversation to stray from the main topic. To ensure you get the information you need, it’s important to stay focused. Some strategies include:

• Use a Schedule: Set a timeline for the interview and stick to it. This helps ensure that all important topics are covered (Jacob & Furgerson, 2012).
• Redirect with Gently: If the conversation starts to stray, gently redirect it back to the main topic. You can do this by asking a question that brings the discussion back into focus.
• Be Prepared for Flexibility: While it is important to stay focused, it is also essential to be open to new directions the conversation may 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 for both the interviewer and the interviewee. It is important to be prepared to handle these emotions in a sensitive and respectful manner. Some tips include:

• Recognize Emotions: If the interviewee is displaying strong emotions, such as sadness or anger, acknowledge this. A simple statement such as “This sounds like it’s really hard for you” can help validate their feelings (Klein, 2024).
• Give Space: If your interviewee needs a moment to compose themselves, be willing to give them that space. Pressure to continue can be counterproductive.
• Keep Calm: As an interviewer, it is important to remain calm and composed, even in emotionally charged situations. This helps to create a safe and controlled environment (Kvale, 2023).

7. Say Thank You at the End of an Interview

When concluding a research interview, it is essential to express gratitude to the interviewee for sharing their experiences and opinions. This not only strengthens the relationship of trust, but it can also open doors for future interactions. Some ways to say thank you include:

• Verbal Thanks: Express your gratitude sincerely at the end of the interview. Saying something like, “I really appreciate you sharing your experiences with me” can have a positive impact (McGrath et al., 2018).
• Provide a Summary: If appropriate, provide a summary of what you learned during the interview. This demonstrates that you valued the interviewee’s time and contributions.
• Keep in Touch: If possible, maintain contact with the interviewee after the interview. This can be useful for future research and also for building a network of contacts (Jacob & Furgerson, 2012).

Conclusion

Conducting an effective research interview requires interpersonal skills, careful planning, and the ability to adapt to the dynamics of the conversation. By following the tips outlined in this article, researchers can maximize the quality of the data they collect and enrich their qualitative analyses. Qualitative interviewing not only contributes to academic research, but also provides a valuable opportunity to understand human experiences on a deeper level.

As technology advances, tools like requalify.ai can help researchers streamline their interviews and analysis, providing richer, more meaningful insights. By integrating artificial intelligence and data analytics, the future of qualitative interviews promises to be even more dynamic and informative. So, as you prepare for your next interview, keep these tips in mind 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