A Dramaturgical Look at Interviewing

In order to obtain data from participant’s interviews must be held. Various interviews methods may be used depending on the subject one is researching. Before you may begin with interviewing any participants a list of questions should be prepared. These questions should by no means make the participant feel or suggest that the individual is being attacked. Begin with questions that are very easy and are not threating to the participant. It is safe to say you may begin with simple questions such as demographic information. Participants may not know what to expect but once the researcher begins with easy questions it helps relieve any tensions that may have the participant second guessing why they volunteered to participate in your study. As the questions continue the researcher will begin to gravitate towards questions that are relevant to the research. While conducting these interviews, it is essential to use probing questions. Probing questions assist with obtaining additional information for data that is collected. It is imperative that the interviewer stays in engaged during the interview and is an active listener. Bring a tape recorder or some device to assist with recording the information the participant is willing to share. Pay attention to the participant’s body language and how they respond to questions asked. I suggest when conducting an interview to be sure your setting is one where you may focus on your participant and what data is being provided. Little distractions make a big difference in conducting interviews.