Sunday, February 8, 2009
Conducting Research Interviews
In the past, I did not have much experience with research interview. My research was done mainly via online resources and occasionally with library books. I suppose it was because I have never considered using an actual person as one of my resources. Not only is it difficult searching for an appropriate interviewee, but it is also difficult to come up with questions. However, I do recall asking my parents for help on some background information for a historical project about Chinese culture. My parents gave me several topics that I could do research upon and specific details about them. The good part about my interviewing process was that it gave me a variety of topics even though I did not actually include my parents in the bibliography. The bad part was probably the language barrier between my parents and me because they were constantly breaking down the topics into simpler terms. My advice to everyone is to follow the book’s way of interviewing because it is sufficient and will ensure an excellent interview. I would also suggest using a person that speaks the same language, or have someone that is able to translate during the interview.
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Hey Piper!
ReplyDeleteI also never had that much experience with research interviews. I always ran towards the internet mainly, and maybe sometimes I would hit the books ha. It is pretty difficult to come up with the right questions tho to ask certain people. But it is true that it gives you various topics that maybe weren't thought of before. When I ask my parents questions it is hard! Because sometimes they wouldn't understand what I am asking them so I would need to explain every detail! But parents do have a lot to say once they get it haha
haightetak <3
I had a similar problem like you, I had a language barrier with my parents when I once try to interview them. It was kind of hard to figure out what words to use and I couldn't get all my questions answered. Aside from that the interview took a quite a while to finish because of my word choice and I always ended up rewording my questions. I also got yelled at for not knowing how to ask the questions in my native language that part just made me feel bad. I would agree with you that when interviewing its best to find someone who speaks the same language so there won’t be too many problems.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had much experience in conducting research interviews either, only once in high school. The book's way of interviewing someone is very helpful and I agree will ensure an excellent interview. I bet it is difficult when there is a language barrier, I have not really experienced that before and I would probably get easily frustrated. Luckily, for my interviews I conducted I already knew the people because my dad has worked with them before. I think it helps to have connections through friends or family when interviewing someone because you can feel more at ease and sociable than tense and shy.
ReplyDeleteHey Piper
ReplyDeleteWell I think most of us can agree that we have little experience conducting research interviews simply because there are several other options to conduct research. However I agree with the books ways of the interviewing process because there are a lot of ways to get some great information and feel comfortable at the same time. Interviews don't have to be scary! I used to think so but since I've done about 3 research interviews so far I feel that it gets easier each time.