Interview an Engineer

WRITING FROM FIELD RESEARCH

Guidelines 3rd Ed., Ruth Spack ENGR 100W – Interview an Engineer

Christopher W. Bankston, Ed.D.

Writing from Field Research (184)

■ Guidelines for Selecting a Field Research Topic.

– Consider whether the issue lends itself to field research. Ask yourself: “Can I

gather enough information and ideas on this issue by observing, interviewing,

or conducting a survey?”

– Formulate a preliminary question about the issue that your field research

project will be designed to answer, with the understanding that the question

may change as your research proceeds.

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■ Guidelines for Gathering Background Information – Academic Departments – Consult a faculty member or administrator who can

provide material related to a particular field of interest. – Offices – Check a college catalog for a listing of offices, such as Admissions or a

Dean’s office, that can provide material on relevant topics. – Organizations – Check with a student activities office for a listing of campus or

community organizations that can provide material on specific areas of interest. – Libraries – Consult a reference librarian for help in finding material related to your

research topic. – The Internet – Conduct a Web-based search to find material related to your

research topic.

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■ Guidelines for Observing

– Determine the objectives of your research.

– Select a relevant site.

– Devise a consistent method for recording your observations such as note taking or tape

recording.

– Interpret your findings. Separate what you actually see with your own eyes from your

interpretation of what you see. Remember that another researcher might have a different

interpretation of the same observation. You may include multiple interpretations.

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■ Guidelines for Interviewing – Contact the person you wish to interview, explain your research project, and ask for

an appointment. Set a specific time length and place for the interview. – Prepare an interview guide: a list of questions related to your research project. – Be flexible with your questions. One good general opening question may be all you

need. Let the interviewee talk. – Use an audio recorder, if you have permission to do so, take notes, or do both. – Ask permission for a follow-up phone call or interview if you find you need further

information. – Immediately after the interview, reflect on what you have just learned. Spend some

time writing and adding to your notes. – Thank the interviewee by mail, e-mail, or telephone.