Clarification Questions

Definition

Clarification questions are inquiries made by an interviewer to gain a clearer understanding of a respondent's statements or ideas. These questions help to remove ambiguity and ensure that the interviewer accurately captures the interviewee's thoughts, particularly when dealing with complex or vague answers. This technique is crucial when interviewing difficult individuals who may provide unclear responses or avoid direct answers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Clarification questions are essential for ensuring accurate quotes and interpretations during an interview, especially with challenging subjects.
2. Using clarification questions can help defuse tension by showing the interviewee that their responses are being taken seriously and understood.
3. These questions often start with phrases like 'Could you explain that further?' or 'What do you mean by that?' to prompt more detail.
4. Effective use of clarification questions can lead to richer, more informative interviews by encouraging the interviewee to elaborate on their thoughts.
5. Interviewers should balance the use of clarification questions with other types of inquiries to maintain the flow of conversation without making it feel interrogative.

Review Questions

• How do clarification questions contribute to the overall effectiveness of an interview with a difficult interviewee?
  • Clarification questions enhance the effectiveness of interviews by ensuring that the interviewer fully understands the responses given by challenging individuals. By asking for clarification, interviewers can address any confusion or vagueness in answers, leading to a more coherent narrative. This approach not only helps in gathering accurate information but also demonstrates respect for the interviewee's perspective, potentially easing tensions.
• Discuss the impact of using clarification questions on the relationship between an interviewer and a difficult interviewee.
  • Using clarification questions positively impacts the relationship between the interviewer and a difficult interviewee by fostering trust and open communication. When interviewers seek clarification, it shows they are actively listening and valuing the interviewee's input. This can lead to a more comfortable atmosphere, encouraging the interviewee to be more forthcoming and engaged in the discussion.
• Evaluate how mastery of clarification questions can influence the outcomes of interviews with challenging subjects in feature writing.
  • Mastery of clarification questions can significantly influence the outcomes of interviews by enhancing the depth and accuracy of information collected. Skilled interviewers who effectively use these questions can uncover insights that may otherwise be overlooked, leading to more compelling narratives. Additionally, this skill can empower writers to present complex topics clearly and engage readers, ultimately enriching the feature writing process and its impact.

Related terms

Open-Ended Questions: Questions that allow respondents to answer in their own words, encouraging more detailed and thoughtful responses.

Probing Questions: Inquiries designed to delve deeper into a subject or to explore a specific aspect of the interviewee's response.

Active Listening:

A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the interviewee is saying.