THE INTERVIEW

METHOD
Steps in Conducting a Qualitative Interview
(Creswell, 2007)
1. Decide whether interviews are appropriate.
To begin with, participants should agree to the interview method; otherwise, this method
is not necessary and will not yield any relevant information. Assess if the information is
sensitive and observation will be enough to gather the needed information.
2. Choose the type of interview
Will you use structured or unstructured interview? What type will you use on focus group
discussion or one-on-one interview?
3. Invite Participants
A letter of permission should be sent to the participants and they must reply indicating
their consent before conducting the interview session.

4. Develop an Interview Protocol

This is a list of questions or guide questions which you will be asking to the
interviewees. The questions are based on your research questions and should be able
to produce information needed to answer your research questions.

5. Arrange the audio equipment.

Make sure to be ready with your audio equipment. You may use your cellphone or any
other audio recoding device. It should be stated in your letter of permission that you will
be recording the entire conversation and you are the only one who will have access to it.
6. Arrange for a quiet setting for the interview.
A comfortable and quiet place chosen by the participants is preferable.

7. Conduct the interview.

Check audio equipment before the interview. First, introduce yourself and the research
being conducted to the participant-interviewee. Stay on topic and to the time mentioned
in the letter of permission.

8. Follow-up after an interview.

Thank the interviewee after the session and honor their requests such as copy of the
abstract. In cases that a follow-up is needed in order to clarify some points raised during
the interview session, the interviewees must be notified.
Parts of an Interview Protocol (Creswell, 2007)

1. Basic Information about the Interview.

It includes the time and date of the interview, where the interview takes place, and who
the participants to be interviewed are.
2. Introduction.
This provides instructions to the interviewer which will serve as his/her guide in
conducting the session. It is a prerequisite that the interviewer introduce
himself/herself including the objectives of the research.

3. Opening Question.
This is about getting to know participants so they will feel at ease. Questions related to
their work or activities are good opening questions. Very personal questions must be
avoided.
4. Content Questions.
These are sub-questions based on the central phenomenon being studied.

5. Closing Instructions.
Thank the interviewee for his/her time.
Sample Interview Protocol
Background Information on Interviewee
Date:
Location:
Name:
Age: Gender: Grade level and Section:

Introduction
Good morning, Mr. Juan De La Cruz. My name is Ms. Lourene J. Guanzon and I am
presently conducting a research about The Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking
the Business Course as ABM Senior High School Students in Antique National School.
The objective of this study is to discover The Advantages and Disadvantages of taking
the Business Course as an ABM senior high school Students in Antique National School
of ABM strand for Senior High School students that will take up the Business course.
.
Opening Question

■ Tell me something about yourself, Mr. Juan De La Cruz.

- Provide spaces for taking notes in case audio will have problem-
■ How long have you been studying here?
Provide spaces for taking notes in case audio will have problem-
■ Why did you take the ABM strand?
■ Are you choosing business management as your course?
Content Questions

■ How can this strand help if you will take business as your course? (specific problem
No. 2)
■ As an ABM student, what are the benefits of the strand that can help you in taking
business courses? (specific problem No. 3)

■ Is the business course in demand? (specific problem No. 1)

Closing Instructions

■ Thank you very much (Acknowledge the class for their time). I would like you to know
that I am the only one who will have access to this audio material and after the
research, the content will be erased. If you wish to have a copy of the abstract of this
research, I would be very willing to send you one. Do you have any question?
ACTIVITY 6.1.1-2

1. Interview Protocol
■ Make an interview protocol guide such as the one given as example.
2. Interview Simulation
■ Simulate an interview based on the topic given. Use the interview guide you have
made.