3.2 Discussion
Getting Started
When conducting an interview, especially for a case study of a research design, it is important to make sure that you are prepared. As part of this preparation, it should be asserted that this interview is already consented to and scheduled. Inform the subject of what is being done.
If you would like to record the interview for collection and analytical purposes, discuss this with the subject prior to the interview. If the subject is uncomfortable with being recorded for any reason, he or she may refuse to be interviewed. The subject should also feel comfortable in the proper setting. This is information gathering, not an interrogation.
Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:
· Discuss best practices for preparing and conducting interviews with the subjects of your case study.
Resources
· Textbook: Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology
· File: Chapter 6.ppt
· Website: IWU Resources
Background Information
At the outset of this course, you identified potential subjects for your case study. You have prepared your interview questions, and it is time to conduct your interviews! Are you prepared and well-rehearsed? Are you feeling nervous? Use this forum to discuss best practices in preparing for and conducting your interviews and to discuss any challenges or concerns that you may be anticipating in this important step of the research process.
If you have already conducted your interviews at this stage, use this forum to discuss your experience.
Instructions
1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.
2. You used the textbook Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology in the course CRJ-467 Research Methods and Analysis in Criminal Justice. In preparation for this assignment:
a. Review Chapter 6, "Survey Research: Interviews and Telephone Surveys."
b. Download and review the Chapter 6.ppt PowerPoint presentation.
3. Learn more about conducting an effective interview by going to the IWU Resources link under the Course Dashboard. Visit the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL) website and use the search term “interviewing” to locate the relevant information.
4. Optional: Review the lesson presentation Live Sources that provided information on preparing for and conducting an interview.
5. Navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following discussion questions:
a. Discuss best practices and strategies for preparing and conducting interviews.
b. Your textbook describes the “ten commandments of interviewing.” What concerns do you have about the process? Have you got everything in place?
c. What challenges might you encounter during the interview? Discuss strategies for managing these.
d. Note: if you have already conducted your interview, describe the experience. Did you encounter any challenges? If so, how did you manage them? Use this forum as an opportunity to provide advice or suggestions to your peers.