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Interviewing and Information Gathering in the Field: How to Prepare and What to Expect

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Interviewing and Information Gathering in the Field: How to Prepare and What to Expect

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    1. Interviewing and Information Gathering in the Field: How to Prepare and What to Expect October 12, 2011

    2. Field Research for Policy Studies

    3. Preparation Making initial contact Telephone In person Explaining the purpose of your research Gaining trust Knowing how much time is required Choosing a location Setting an appointment Prep recording device tapes; extra batteries

    4. Preparation Background research Previous interviews Relevant issues List of questions, pen, paper Copies of documents Prep recording device Backup devices Extra batteries

    5. "A common ingredient of the superb interview is a knowledge of the subject so thorough that it creates a kind of intimacy between the journalist and the interviewee."

    6. Beginning the Interview Small talk to put subject at ease Explain the purpose Address terms of confidentiality Getting informed consent Explain the format Audio/video-recording Opening questions should be on topic

    7. What A Poor Start Looks Like

    8. Asking, Listening and Observing Engaged but neutral Eye contact Vocal tone “Guided” conversation Changing course Maintaining control

    9. Asking, Listening and Observing Drawing out details/Probing Repeating the response as a question Silence Stress generality/subjectivity Zeroing in Observations Taking notes (don’t trust your memory) Observation vs. interpretation

    11. Katie Couric

    12. The Couric Method Being a gracious host Body language – warm and welcoming Adjusting your tone to the issue at hand Ask questions that don’t require a Yes or No answer How is this person likely to answer this? – The trial attorney’s rule Knowing what they’ve said before and thinking “How can I go at this another way?” Importance of listening and reacting Picking up on inconsistencies Using questions as a template Being ready to veer off in a totally different direction Remember who you are serving Responsibility to your reader or sponsor

    13. Working with Interpreters Interpreter/Guide is the first person you interview Establish trust Get a sense of his/her language skills Interpreter must have a good understanding of your research objectives Speak directly to your subject, not to the translator Pause and allow time to translate, but act as if the interpreter is not there More advice

    14. Handling the Unexpected Change in setting Interruptions Equipment failure Grief Hostility Protecting your notes Pre-addressed Fed Ex mailers Drop box/cloud services Personal danger Move in pairs or groups Trust your driver

    15. After the Interview Debriefing Writing your field notes (don’t wait!) Audio recordings Check equipment Transfer audio files Your contact information (card) Follow up Thank you letters/notes

    16. The Importance of Having Someone to Watch your Back

    17. Additional Resources USAID: Tips for Conducting Key Informant Interviews Conducting HUMINT operations Interviewing for Interorganizational Research Key Informant Interviews for Health Policy Research

    18. Books

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