Interviews

The following information is excerpted from a PowerPoint presentation on Information Gathering, delivered by OMNI Institute to The Denver Foundation's current Learning Community grantees. To see the entire presentation in PDF, click here.  Other excerpts include surveys and focus groups.

Using Interviews to Gather Information

• Key informant interviews are generally semi-structured one-on-one conversations with individuals who have a strong understanding and knowledge in the topic area of interest (community leaders, professionals in the field, etc.)
• They can be conducted over the telephone or in-person (also called face-to-face)

Benefits and Limitations of Interviews

Benefits

• Interviews are designed to collect information that reflects deep knowledge and insight. They can provide rich information on the topic of interest
• Interviewer and participant rapport can be developed so opinions and experiences can be shared openly in a one on one conversation; provides the opportunity to clarify responses as needed
• Allows the interviewer to explore nuances of participants' thoughts and experiences, as well as conflicting ideas. Typically unique to interview methods

Limitations

• Can be a time consuming method for gathering and analyzing information
• Results in a large quantity of data that is difficult to organize for analysis
• The point is to learn unique insights; you cannot assess how representative or generalizable the findings are with this method alone

Other Challenges/Considerations about Interviews

• Social desirability
  • Potential impact on the validity of the information gathered
• Note Taking versus Recording
• Convenience/Safety
  • Travel considerations
  • Location of interview (time and place that is convenient for interviewer and participant)
  • One on one situations

Steps Involved in Conducting Key Informant Interviews

• Interview guide development
  • Identify the kind of information needed (interesting versus important)
  • Develop broad, open-ended interview questions and probes
• Recruit participants/key informants
• Determine plan and logistics for conducting the interviews
  • In person or phone
  • Location, time, consent processes, transportation, potential incentives
• Conduct interviews
• Analyze data

Tips for Effective Recruitment

• Select participants that have the information and insight you are seeking (purposive sampling)
  • Selection criteria
  • Maximize diversity in the sample
  • Snowball sampling
  • Interviewing people you know
• Consider recruiting extra participants in case of cancellations or no show
• Provide incentives, if feasible

Tips for Effective Interview Guide Development

• Decide on what information is most important
  • A one-hour interview generally consists of 6-8 questions
• Develop questions that will encourage participants to share knowledge and experiences
  • Avoid yes/no questions
  • Try to use "what" and "how" questions versus "why"
  • Develop probes
  • Avoid phrasing that may influence responses

Considerations for an Inclusive Interview Process

• Participation is not linked to services
• Information is confidential and protected
• "Getting to know each other" time
• Respect/honor participant expertise and time
• Silence, pauses, probes
• Consider language, gender and ethnic match of interviewer and participant
• Consider role of community leaders in introductions/recruitment
• Use community-based sites for interviews
• Explain when results will be available and how they will be shared
• Share information back with the community and any action steps

Tips for Effective Interviewing

• Ensure privacy and low noise level
• Take a moment to work on rapport
• Provide a brief background of the study
• Facilitate an informed consent process
• Ask if the participant is willing to be recorded
  • Be sure to test equipment in advance
  • Bring paper and writing utensils
• Review interview questions/be prepared
• Use the interview guide
  • Cover all questions
  • Use probes as needed
  • Ask all questions even though you
• Do not assume answers or pass judgments
• Allow for silence
• Allow time for questions before and during the interview
• Thank the participants for taking part
• Debrief after several interviews

Tips for Effective Interview Analysis

• Compile interview data
  • Transcription versus note taking
• Analyze Information
  • Identify common recurring themes for each question and across questions
  • Look for unique insights or information
  • Identify quotes or comments that summarize viewpoints, but that can not be identified