SOC 382/AFS 352

RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS

 

 

INFORMATION FOR PROJECTS USING INTERVIEWING

 

 

ETHICAL ISSUES

 

  1. Informed Consent.  All subjects have the right to know that they are being interviewed for your research project.  You should explain to them your general topic area (e.g., “I’m interested in people’s opinions on current racial issues”) and obtain their permission before you interview them.

 

  1. Confidentiality.  All subjects have the right to confidentiality.  You should never discuss interview information with other people.  In general, you also should not identify subjects in your paper.  Use a pseudonym and provide only information necessary for understanding the subject’s answers (e.g., an Asian-American male college student; an African-American lawyer in her forties, a while public school teacher in his sixties).  The only exception to this would be someone that you interview in their official capacity (e.g., President Harrison, Mayor Perez, a school principal, police chief, etc.).  You should assure subjects of confidentiality before you begin the interview and do everything in your power to keep this pledge.

 

  1. Avoiding Harm.  Researchers should always seek to avoid harm to their subjects.  If a subject becomes emotionally upset, ask them if they would prefer not to answer a question or discuss a particular subject.

 

 

INTERVIEWING TIPS

 

  1. Before the Interview.

 

Ø      Schedule the interview when both you and the subject have plenty of time and in a place where you can talk privately with a minimum of interruption.

Ø      Plan ahead!  Think carefully about what you want to find out from each subject.  Develop a working list of questions to ask/topics to cover.  Run through them mentally or with a friend to “practice” asking the questions.  Careful planning will ensure that you get the most out of the interview.

Ø      Think about how you will record your data.  In general, it is best to take handwritten notes, trying to record as much detail (and direct quotes) as possible.  Tape recording is also possible.  The main advantages are that you have a complete record of the interview and you are free to focus upon asking questions.  The main disadvantages are that you are vulnerable to technological problems, tape recording sometimes inhibits subjects, and that interview recordings will require additional time to transcribe.  Be sure that you have adequate supplies.

 

  1. During the Interview.

 

Ø      A good interview is a good conversation, except that the focus is upon the subject.  Good interviewers are attentive, listen carefully, and make good eye contact.

Ø      Avoid talking too much or asking leading questions that will influence subject’s answers.  Avoid making any judgmental remarks.

Ø      Be sure to probe when necessary.  Ask follow-up questions or even say something as simple as “That’s interesting! Can you tell me more?” or can you explain that?” This can often yield additional data.  Sometimes even a silent pause will encourage the subject to say more.

Ø      Take careful and detailed notes.  Try to include both your question and the subject’s answers.

 

3.   After the Interview.

 

Ø        As soon as possible, look over your interview notes.  Add any additional  details while the information is still fresh in your memory.

Ø          Before you begin to write your paper, carefully examine your interview notes. Look for patterns or varying perspectives on a specific topic.  Mark similar categories of information with different colored pens.  Look for major themes around which you can organize your paper.