How to Start Research Interviews
Research interviews serve as invaluable tools for collecting in-depth insights, perspectives, and narratives from participants. As a researcher, the success of your interview largely hinges on the initial moments—the way you establish rapport, set the tone, and make participants feel comfortable. In this post, we consider effective strategies on how to start a research interview, ensuring a positive and productive engagement from the outset.
1. Build Rapport:
Why it matters:
Building rapport establishes a foundation of trust and comfort, creating a conducive environment for open and honest communication.
How to do it:
- Begin with a warm and friendly greeting.
- Introduce yourself, providing a brief overview of your role and the purpose of the interview.
- Express gratitude for their participation, emphasizing the importance of their insights.
2. Explain the Purpose:
Why it matters:
Clarifying the purpose of the interview helps participants understand the context and contributes to a more focused and relevant conversation.
How to do it:
- Clearly articulate the objectives of the research.
- Explain how their input is valuable and will contribute to the study.
- Highlight the broader impact of the research, emphasizing its relevance.
3. Establish Ground Rules:
Why it matters:
Setting clear ground rules creates a sense of structure and ensures that both you and the participant are on the same page regarding expectations.
How to do it:
- Discuss the anticipated duration of the interview.
- Assure participants of confidentiality and explain how their responses will be anonymized.
- Encourage them to ask questions or seek clarification at any point.
4. Provide an Overview:
Why it matters:
Giving participants an overview of the interview structure helps them understand what to expect and alleviates any potential anxiety.
How to do it:
- Outline the main topics or themes you will cover during the interview.
- Share an approximate timeline for each section to give a sense of pacing.
- Reiterate that there are no right or wrong answers; you are interested in their perspectives.
5. Ask Icebreaker Questions:
Why it matters:
Icebreaker questions serve to ease participants into the conversation, helping them feel more at ease and encouraging a natural flow of dialogue.
How to do it:
- Start with light and non-intrusive questions.
- Inquire about their background, experiences, or interests before delving into more specific topics.
- Use these questions to establish a conversational tone.
6. Active Listening and Nonverbal Cues:
Why it matters:
Demonstrating active listening and positive nonverbal cues fosters a sense of connection and attentiveness, enhancing the quality of the interaction.
How to do it:
- Maintain eye contact without being overly intense.
- Nod or provide affirmative gestures to show understanding.
- Avoid interrupting and allow pauses for participants to express themselves.
7. Adapt to the Participant’s Style:
Why it matters:
Adapting to the participant’s communication style creates a more comfortable and inclusive environment, promoting better engagement.
How to do it:
- Pay attention to the participant’s tone, pace, and level of formality.
- Mirror their communication style within appropriate bounds.
- Be flexible in your approach based on their preferences.
8. Clarify and Confirm Understanding:
Why it matters:
Ensuring mutual understanding prevents misunderstandings and allows participants to feel heard and valued.
How to do it:
- Periodically summarize key points to confirm understanding.
- Encourage participants to elaborate or clarify if needed.
- Use reflective statements to demonstrate that you are actively processing their responses.
Summary
So we have looked at how to start a research interview. Starting a research interview is not just a logistical step but a crucial aspect of the entire research process. By incorporating these strategies on how to start a research interview, you can create an environment where participants feel respected, understood, and motivated to share their perspectives. Remember that the opening moments set the tone for the entire interview, influencing the depth and authenticity of the insights you gather. Approach the initiation of a research interview with sensitivity, empathy, and a genuine commitment to understanding the unique experiences and perspectives of your participants.
Recommended reading
This dynamic user-focused book will help you to get the data you want from your interviews. It provides practical guidance regarding technique, gives top-tips from real world case studies and shares achievable checklists and interview plans.
Whether you are doing interviews in your own research or just using other researchers’ data, this book will tell you everything you need to know about designing, planning, conducting and analyzing quality interviews.
