2.5 Pre-interview check
Once you have established the ethical basis for your interviews, the topics you will cover, who you are interviewing, how and where, you are ready to begin your interviews. Just before each interview you will need to complete several checks on your equipment and materials. It can help to create a checklist for yourself.
Activity 3
Timing: 15 minutes
Make a list of the things you might do in preparation for an interview.
- How might you prepare?
- What things or equipment might you need?
Once you have done this click ‘reveal’ to see our suggestions.
Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).
Answer
- Read through the topic guide and any other interview materials.
- Have your topic guide to hand.
- Check you will not be interrupted by people/electronic devices.
- Have a glass of water to hand.
- Check just before the interview that your dictaphone or Zoom is working and has full batteries/is plugged in.
- Once the interview begins, check that you are recording.
- Check the interviewee still consents to the interview, and that they are aware you are recording.
- Ask if the interviewee has any questions.
- Once these are answered, tell the interviewee you will begin with the interview questions.
- Work your way through the topic guide, but remember it is just a guide, interviews don’t have to follow the topic guide’s order. Allow exploration of some areas in more detail if it is helpful.
- End the interview by thanking the participant and asking if they have any questions. Signpost the interviewee to additional resources if necessary.