Interviewing Techniques

1
Interviewing Techniques
2
Goals

• Discuss the steps involved in the interviewing
  process.
• Discuss ways to create a comfortable environment
  during interviews.
• Provide examples on probing, clarifying, and
  other issues involved in the interview process.

3
Before you dial

• Familiarize yourself with the investigation and
  the survey
• Remain enthusiastic and upbeat

4
Introduction

• Introduce yourself and the organization you
  represent
• Follow the survey introduction word for word
• Project confidence and enthusiasm
• Speak slowly and enunciate

5
Introduction

• Provide a time estimate on the duration of the
  interview
• Address confidentiality
• Offer contact information
• Obtain informed consent

6
Survey questions

• Ask the same questions in the same manner
• Remain neutral throughout the interview
• When necessary, prompt for clarification and
  probe beyond I do not know

7
Survey questions

• If the participant provides additional voluntary
  information, record the answer first
• Do not lead the participant

8
Probes

• It may be appropriate to have a follow-up probe
  ready
• Open-ended questions
• Could you tell me more about that?
• What did you feel about that?
• Closed-ended questions
• Offer dates, times of day, or seasonal holidays

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Clarification

• Develop a protocol to deal with questions of
  clarification
• Options
• Repeat the information in the question
• Refer to pre-determined definitions
• Respond Whatever _____ means to you
• Dont be afraid to say you dont know

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Closing

• Thank the participant
• Provide contact information
• Make sure all questions are completed

11
Face-to-face

• Remain neutral in vocal tone, body language, and
  facial expressions
• Be attentive and maintain appropriate eye contact
• Be accepting of the participant
• Concentrate on what the participant is saying

12
Questions, problems, and solutions

• Examples
• What sorts of questions will you ask me?
• What good are these surveys?
• How did you get my number?
• I do not have time to complete the survey.

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Other issues

• Language problems
• Participant refuses to answer
• Impatient or tired participant
• Participant gets off the subject
• Participant does not understand the question or
  gives irrelevant answer
• Participant asks for feedback, confirmation, or
  additional information
• Participant did not know he or she had the
  diagnosis in question

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Conclusions

• Ways to become a great interviewer
• Practice
• Be an active listener
• Ask for assistance if needed
• Be mindful of introducing bias
• Be courteous and knowledgeable
• Maintain a professional yet friendly approach

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References

• Michigan Department of Agriculture. Module 7
  Foodborne illness investigations, interview
  techniques. In Training program for the
  professional food service sanitarian. Available
  at http//www.michigan.gov/documents/MDA_mod_07_2
  1297_7.html_Toc491503839. Accessed February 3,
  2004.
• 2. Salant P, Dillman D. Chapter 8 Setting your
  survey in motion and getting it done. In How to
  conduct your own survey. New York, NY John
  Wiley and Sons, Inc1994137-170.