Interviewer training and preparation
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Semi-Structured Interviews course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Interviewer Training and Preparation #
Interviewer training and preparation are essential components of the Advanced Ce… #
This process involves equipping interviewers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to conduct effective semi-structured interviews. Interviewer training aims to ensure that interviewers are well-prepared, confident, and capable of eliciting valuable information from participants. Below are key terms related to interviewer training and preparation:
1. Active Listening #
Active listening is a crucial skill that interviewers must possess to engage eff… #
It involves fully concentrating on what is being said, understanding the message, and responding appropriately. Active listening helps interviewers build rapport with participants and encourages them to share their thoughts and experiences.
2. Behavioral Interviewing #
Behavioral interviewing is a technique used in semi #
structured interviews to assess candidates' past behavior in specific situations. Interviewers ask candidates to provide examples of how they have handled challenges or achieved success in the past. This approach helps predict future performance based on past actions.
3. Closed #
Ended Questions:
Closed #
ended questions require participants to provide specific answers, such as "yes" or "no" or select from a limited set of options. Interviewers use closed-ended questions to gather specific information quickly and efficiently. However, these questions may limit participants' responses and overlook valuable insights.
4. Ethical Considerations #
Ethical considerations are fundamental principles that guide interviewer behavio… #
Interviewers must maintain confidentiality, respect participants' autonomy, and ensure informed consent. Ethical conduct is critical to protecting participants' rights and upholding the integrity of the research process.
5. Interview Guide #
An interview guide is a structured outline or set of questions that interviewers… #
The interview guide includes a list of topics, subtopics, and open-ended questions to ensure consistency and focus. Interviewers may refer to the guide to maintain the flow of the interview.
6. Non #
Verbal Communication:
Non #
verbal communication refers to the transmission of messages through gestures, facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. Interviewers must be aware of their non-verbal cues and how they may influence participants' responses. Non-verbal communication can convey empathy, interest, or disapproval during interviews.
7. Probing #
Probing involves asking follow #
up questions to clarify or expand on participants' responses. Interviewers use probing techniques to delve deeper into a topic, uncover underlying motivations, or challenge assumptions. Probing helps elicit detailed information and enrich the interview data.
8. Rapport Building #
Rapport building is the process of establishing a positive and trusting relation… #
Interviewers create rapport through active listening, empathy, and genuine interest in participants' experiences. Building rapport helps participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and contributes to the overall success of the interview.
9. Semi #
Structured Interviews:
Semi #
structured interviews are a qualitative research method that combines open-ended and pre-determined questions. Interviewers have a flexible framework to explore specific topics while allowing participants to share their unique perspectives. Semi-structured interviews provide rich, in-depth data for analysis and interpretation.
10. Transcription #
Transcription is the process of converting audio or video recordings of intervie… #
Interviewers may transcribe interviews themselves or outsource this task to professional transcriptionists. Accurate transcription is essential for analyzing interview data, identifying themes, and drawing meaningful conclusions.
11. Validity and Reliability #
Validity and reliability are key considerations in interviewer training and prep… #
Validity refers to the extent to which an interview measures what it intends to measure, while reliability concerns the consistency and reproducibility of interview results. Interviewers must ensure that their interviews are valid and reliable to draw valid conclusions.
12. Virtual Interviews #
Virtual interviews are conducted remotely using video conferencing platforms or… #
Interviewers must adapt their interviewing techniques to the virtual environment, considering factors such as technology, internet connectivity, and participant engagement. Virtual interviews offer flexibility but may present challenges in building rapport and non-verbal communication.
13. Pre #
Interview Preparation:
Pre #
interview preparation involves planning and organizing before conducting interviews. Interviewers should review the interview guide, familiarize themselves with the research topic, and set up the interview environment. Pre-interview preparation helps interviewers feel confident, focused, and ready to engage with participants effectively.
14. Post #
Interview Reflection:
Post #
interview reflection is the process of reviewing and analyzing the interview experience after it has concluded. Interviewers reflect on their performance, interactions with participants, and areas for improvement. Post-interview reflection helps interviewers enhance their skills, refine their techniques, and continuously grow as interviewers.
15. Interviewer Bias #
Interviewer bias refers to the unconscious influence that interviewers may have… #
Bias can stem from personal beliefs, experiences, or expectations, leading to skewed data and inaccurate conclusions. Interviewers must be aware of their biases and strive to minimize their impact on the interview process.