Talking Points (introduction)
Kinds of interview
- Structured
- Unstructured
- Semi structured
Structured Interviews
- Asks specific questions and in specific order
- Keeps respondents on track
- Scheduled for a particular time, place and time frame
Unstructured Interviews
- Informal in nature
- Free range to talk about any aspect related to the broad interest
- No time limits
- Can be reciprocal in nature – dialogue
Semi structured
- Specific questions asked , organized by topic but not asked in sequential order
- Could be a dialogue format
Question construction
- Questions should not contain academic jargon or phrases
- Avoid why questions as they could lead to discomfort
- Avoid multiple layer questions
Helpful hints
- Be courteous
- Practice
- Carefully select location
- Be ethical – get permission to record
- Be sensitive
- Listen
Things to consider while doing an interview
The 3 P’s
- Permission
- Purpose
- Preparedness
Things to Do:
- Provide a welcoming environment
- Allow the interviewee to speak without interruptions
- Listen
- Want to understand their point of view
- Be neutral
- Watch your body language
Things not to do:
- Ask a Yes or No question.
- Ask more than one question at a time.
- Say “…and my next question is…”
- Allow for an awkward pause or dull moment.
- Be disrespectful to your audience and the person you’re interviewing.
- Forget who you’re serving.
Model # 1 – the perfect protocol
Interviewer: Thank you for agreeing to do this interview. The purpose of the interview is to gain an understanding about how you prepared for your doctoral program of study. For accuracy I would like to record this interview, do I have your permission to do so? Thank you, we will begin.
My name is Beverley Martin and I’m doing an evaluation on student preparation for a doctoral program of study.
Personal Characteristics / Skills / Strengths:
- Tell me about yourself
- Name 3 strengths that you have as a student and why do you consider these strengths?
- What would one of your or professor say about you?
- What would a professor tell me are your strengths?
Academic Experiences/Performance:
- Why did you major in education?
- Why did you choose to attend Fresno State University?
- How did you make the decision to apply to our program? What other programs did you consider?
- How has your graduate background prepared you for our program?
- What courses have you enjoyed the most?
- What courses have been most difficult for you?
Model # 2 – Imperfect protocol
Thanks for agreeing to this interview, let’s begin. (Interviewer turns tape on) – No permission asked for or given.
- Did you gain any satisfaction from your studies? Yes or no
- Do you feel your academic record accurately reflects your abilities and potential?
- Do you feel you have worked to your full potential? What have you done and why do you consider that your full potential?
- Tell me about Professor Smith and what that you didn’t like about him.(add your own dislike too)
- Do you have skills and/or experiences that have prepared you for admission to this program?
- Why should we consider you for our program instead of several other equally qualified candidates?(phone rings, interviewer answers)
- What will you do if you are not accepted into our program?
Extracurricular Activities:
- What extracurricular activity has been most satisfying to you?
- What activities do you enjoy most outside of the classroom?(interrupts answer and interjects own ideas)
- Do you have any hobbies or outside interests? Yes/no
Weaknesses:
- What challenges do you think you might face in the graduate program?
- What would you say is an area in which you need improvement?
- What would you change about yourself and why?
Class participation – classmates will critique each model demonstrated using the interview protocol provided and decide if protocol was adhered to or not.
