Online Interviewing Tips for Researchers

Summary

The video discusses the transition to online qualitative interviews during the Covid-19 pandemic. Initially skeptical, the speaker was surprised to find that online interviews can yield equally or even more insightful data. The video provides practical tips for conducting successful online interviews, covering topics such as obtaining informed consent, choosing the right platform, designing effective interview guides, ensuring technical readiness, and building rapport. It also highlights the importance of adapting to the unique challenges of the virtual environment to create a comfortable and productive experience for interviewees.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The Covid-19 pandemic has made online interviews a necessity, and they can yield rich and sometimes superior data compared to face-to-face interviews.
• 🤔 Initial skepticism about the quality of online interviews is common, but many find them to be just as effective, if not more so, for gathering data.
• 📝 The importance of getting informed consent cannot be overstated; it's crucial to explain how personal data will be handled before the interview.
• 📆 Practical aspects such as signed consent forms and time zone awareness are essential for the smooth running of online interviews.
• 🗒️ Having a well-designed interview guide with open-ended questions encourages interviewees to share their experiences freely and openly.
• 💻 Technical preparation is key: ensure the latest software versions are downloaded and test all equipment to avoid interruptions during the interview.
• 🎥 Setting the scene for the interview is important; a clean backdrop and good lighting can improve the quality of the interaction.
• 🎧 Sound quality matters; using a simple setup can help maintain confidentiality and ensure clear communication.
• 🔗 Building rapport quickly in an online setting is challenging but necessary for a successful interview; starting with casual conversation can help.
• 👀 Maintaining eye contact by looking into the webcam, rather than at the screen, can help create a more personal and engaging interview.
• 🤗 Active listening and signaling interest through nodding and verbal affirmations can encourage interviewees to elaborate on their responses.
• 🔄 Embracing silence during interviews can prompt further elaboration from the interviewee and should not be feared.
• 🛠 Having backup plans for technical issues is essential; knowing how to quickly switch to alternative methods can save an interview.
• 🎨 Creativity in interviews, such as asking participants to draw, can provide a different perspective and engage interviewees in a unique way.
• 📝 Capturing immediate post-interview impressions is vital for retaining the nuances and details that may be forgotten over time.

Q & A

How did the Covid-19 pandemic influence the approach to qualitative interviews?

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards conducting qualitative interviews online, as it became necessary to adapt to social distancing measures and remote work environments.

What was the initial skepticism regarding online interviews in comparison to face-to-face interviews?

The initial skepticism was about whether online interviews could yield data that was as rich and in-depth as traditional face-to-face interviews.

Why might online interviews sometimes provide superior data?

Online interviews can sometimes provide superior data because the interviewee is in their own familiar environment, which can help them relax and be more open and honest.

What are some important steps to take before conducting an online interview?

Before an online interview, it's important to obtain informed consent, provide additional information about the project, and ensure the handling of personal data is clearly communicated.

Why is it challenging to get signed consent forms back from interviewees?

It can be challenging because interviewees are often busy and may not prioritize returning the signed forms, requiring gentle reminders from the researcher.

What platform should be used for online interviews, and are there any considerations?

The platform used for online interviews should be preferred by the interviewee and comply with any specific requirements from the researcher's institution.

How can time zone differences affect online interviews, and what can be done to manage them?

Time zone differences can lead to scheduling conflicts. Using a time zone converter ensures that the correct time for the interview is determined to avoid misunderstandings.

What构成s a useful interview guide and why is it important?

A useful interview guide consists of open-ended questions that encourage the interviewee to describe their experiences freely. It's important to ensure the guide fits within the allotted time and allows for off-topic discussion or elaboration.

What technical preparations are recommended before an online interview?

It's recommended to download the latest version of the video conferencing software, test the technology to ensure it's working, and have a plan B ready in case of technical issues.

How can the setting for an online interview impact the quality of the interaction?

The setting can impact the interaction by affecting the visual and auditory experience. A clean backdrop, good lighting, and a quiet environment can enhance the quality of the interview.

What strategies can be used to build rapport during an online interview?

Strategies to build rapport include engaging in brief chit chat, using go-to topics to ease into the conversation, and maintaining eye contact by looking into the webcam.

How can active listening be signaled during an online interview?

Active listening can be signaled through nodding, asking for more information, and validating the interviewee's responses to show interest and encourage further elaboration.

What should be done if there is silence during an online interview?

During silences, the interviewer should continue nodding and moving to show presence. Silences can also be used as prompts to encourage the interviewee to speak more or provide additional details.

How can technical hurdles during an online interview be overcome?

Technical hurdles can be overcome by having backup plans such as using a phone hotspot if Wi-Fi drops, or arranging another time to talk if the connection fails completely.

What creative methods can be used to generate rich data during an online interview?

Creative methods like asking interviewees to draw something can engage them with a material reality and spark different responses in a digital situation.

What should be done after the interview to ensure the interviewee's contribution is valued?

After the interview, it's important to thank the interviewee, remind them how their input will be used, and send a follow-up email with any final thoughts or shared materials.

Why is it important to capture the interviewer's own experience after the interview?

Capturing the interviewer's own experience helps to save impressions and first thoughts that might be forgotten soon after. These can provide a richer and more nuanced understanding of the interview.