Interview techniques

Definition

Interview techniques are structured methods used to gather information, insights, and narratives from individuals during the interview process. These techniques are essential for obtaining detailed oral histories and personal narratives, as they guide the interviewer in eliciting meaningful responses that reveal the interviewee's experiences, perspectives, and emotions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Effective interview techniques can create a comfortable environment for the interviewee, making them more likely to share personal stories and experiences.
2. Using open-ended questions allows interviewers to obtain richer, more nuanced responses compared to closed questions that limit answers.
3. The order of questions can significantly impact the flow of the conversation, making it important to consider how one question leads into another.
4. Non-verbal communication cues, such as eye contact and body language, play a vital role in establishing rapport and encouraging openness during interviews.
5. Recording interviews (with consent) can help capture accurate details of personal narratives and oral histories for later analysis.

Review Questions

• How do open-ended questions enhance the effectiveness of interview techniques in gathering personal narratives?
  • Open-ended questions enhance interview techniques by allowing interviewees to express their thoughts and feelings in their own words without feeling restricted. This approach encourages richer storytelling and provides deeper insights into their experiences. By not limiting responses, interviewers can uncover unexpected information that might not emerge with closed questions.
• Analyze the role of active listening in the application of interview techniques during oral history interviews.
  • Active listening is crucial in oral history interviews as it helps build trust between the interviewer and interviewee. By fully engaging with what the interviewee is saying, an interviewer can demonstrate respect and interest, which encourages more detailed responses. Additionally, active listening allows interviewers to pick up on emotional cues or significant points that may warrant further exploration through follow-up questions.
• Evaluate how the choice of interview techniques can influence the authenticity and reliability of personal narratives collected through oral history.
  • The choice of interview techniques significantly impacts both the authenticity and reliability of personal narratives. Techniques like open-ended questions and active listening foster a comfortable space for interviewees to share genuine experiences, leading to more honest responses. Conversely, poor technique choices—such as leading questions or an overly structured format—can restrict narrative depth and introduce bias, ultimately affecting how accurately individual stories reflect lived experiences.

Related terms

Active Listening: A communication technique that involves fully concentrating on the speaker, understanding their message, responding thoughtfully, and remembering key points to foster a deeper conversation.

Open-ended Questions: Questions designed to encourage a full, meaningful answer using the interviewee's own knowledge and feelings, rather than prompting for short or specific responses.

Follow-up Questions: Questions asked after an initial response to delve deeper into a topic or clarify details, helping to enrich the narrative provided by the interviewee.