Saint Lucia ConnectED Youth-Led Research

Empowering Youth Through Youth-Led Research

Developing the Interview

Key Outcomes
  • Explain the significance of interviews as a qualitative research tool and differentiate them from other data collection methods.
  • Formulate clear, unbiased, and purposeful interview questions that align with the research objectives and elicit in-depth responses from participants.
  • Demonstrate the ability to create a structured interview guide, ensuring a logical flow of questions, clear introductions, and considerations for participant comfort.
  • Understand the practical aspects of conducting interviews.
  • Appreciate the depth and nuance that interviews bring to research.

Developing the Interview

Key Outcomes
  • Explain the significance of interviews as a qualitative research tool and differentiate them from other data collection methods.
  • Formulate clear, unbiased, and purposeful interview questions that align with the research objectives and elicit in-depth responses from participants.
  • Demonstrate the ability to create a structured interview guide, ensuring a logical flow of questions, clear introductions, and considerations for participant comfort.
  • Understand the practical aspects of conducting interviews.
  • Appreciate the depth and nuance that interviews bring to research.

In this session we're continuing our exploration into the world of research, specifically within the context of the Digital Skills Competency Framework. Our focus for this session is on one of the most insightful tools in research – the interview.

In our previous sessions, we've covered a broad spectrum of data collection methods. From observations to questionnaires, from focus groups to field notes, we've seen how each method offers unique insights. We've also discussed the importance of understanding perceptions, motivations, attitudes, and the significance of culturally relevant content in research. All these methods and resources, when used together, can provide a holistic view of the research subject, a process known as triangulation.

Now, let's delve deeper into interviews. Why are they so crucial in research? Interviews are designed to extract rich, qualitative information from a select group of individuals. They allow researchers to tap into the attributes, behaviors, preferences, feelings, attitudes, opinions, and knowledge of participants. Unlike questionnaires, which often seek quantifiable data, interviews aim to understand the depth and nuances of a participant's perspective.

Conducting Effective Interviews

Conducting an interview is more than just asking questions. It's an art that requires careful planning and execution. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:

  1. Designing Interview Questions: Begin by understanding the core of what you want to extract from the interview. What kind of information are you seeking? Why is this in-depth information vital for your research topic?
  2. Developing an Interview Guide: This is your roadmap for the interview. Start by introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of the interview. Group your questions thematically to maintain a logical flow. Ensure your questions are clear, concise, and free from any leading biases.
  3. Logistical Planning: This step involves the practical aspects of conducting the interview. Consider if you need a second interviewer or a note-taker. Decide if you'll record the interview and, if so, ensure you have the means and time to transcribe these recordings later. Choose a location that's free from distractions, and estimate the duration of each interview. Lastly, always address terms of confidentiality to ensure your participants feel safe and respected.

In conclusion, interviews are a powerful tool in the researcher's toolkit. They offer a depth of understanding that few other methods can match. As budding researchers, mastering the art of the interview will be invaluable in your journey to uncover truths, understand perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to your field of study.