Mastering In-Depth Interviews: Techniques and Best Practices
Scripting the In-Depth Interview
Although many authors argue against a rigid script in in-depth interviews, having a structured framework can help maintain control of the process. This is especially true when multiple interviewers from the same research team are involved. A well-crafted script ensures that all essential aspects of the research topic are covered, even if the order varies based on the interviewee’s responses.
The interview script should include key topics and questions relevant to the subject of study. The researcher will adjust the pace and sequence of the interview accordingly. Throughout the interview, it’s preferable to glance at the guide sparingly to maintain the flow of a natural conversation. It’s best to refer to the script when the interview is well underway, as if reviewing key moments of the conversation. Of course, the introduction of each question must be relevant to the thematic context and the dynamic of the interview. Each question must be meaningful in relation to the subject matter and the interpersonal relationship being developed.
It’s important to emphasize that there are no ideal interviewees. Some individuals may be more challenging to interview than others, but those who speak more fluently don’t necessarily provide more meaningful information. Sometimes, shorter responses can yield more relevant insights. To address this, some advocate for experienced and skilled interviewers.
Kvale’s Criteria for Evaluating Interview Quality
Kvale suggests the following criteria for assessing the quality of an interview:
- The respondent’s replies should be spontaneous, rich, and specific, demonstrating a strong response to the interviewer.
- Questions should be brief, and responses comprehensive.
- The interviewer follows up on and clarifies the meanings within the replies.
- Ideally, much of the interview is interpreted during the interview itself.
- The interviewer attempts to verify their interpretations of the responses.
- The interview itself is readily communicable; it doesn’t require extensive additional explanations or descriptions.
Non-Verbal Communication and Interviewer Role
Facial expressions, body language, and the roles adopted by the interviewer are crucial. Controlling these factors is another objective for the researcher during the conversation. The interviewer should manage the situation and react flexibly to the unexpected.
The interviewer’s appearance, understood as “a defined self-image in terms of socially approved characteristics,” should be carefully considered in relation to the interview context. Closely linked to appearance is the role played by the researcher. For instance, when interviewing a battered woman with children, a female researcher might emphasize her role as a wife and mother to establish empathy. A male researcher might highlight his role as a parent or mention living in a similar neighborhood. In some cases, if the researcher’s appearance might create a sense of superiority, they should assess whether this perception is beneficial or if it needs to be “renegotiated” or transformed during the interview.
Finally, the power of gestural communication cannot be overlooked:
“The expressive coherence required for any action signals a fundamental discrepancy between our own human ‘too much’ and our socialized selves. As human beings, we are presumably creatures of variable impulse, moods, and energies that change from moment to moment. For characters to be presented before an audience, however, we should not be subject to ups and downs. As Durkheim noted, we do not allow our higher social activity to follow the footprint of our bodily states as do our feelings and general body awareness. We have a certain bureaucratization of the spirit that commands the confidence that we offer a perfectly homogeneous performance at any prescribed time.”
Perhaps the key to managing the interview situation lies in Goffman’s “bureaucratization of the spirit.” The researcher’s gestures, body movements, and words should demonstrate consistency, acting as a mirror that reflects acceptance of the interviewee’s statements.
If all these requirements are met, we will be close to achieving the controlled empathy or situational control that Alonso describes.