Summary Week 5

This week, students explored several survey measures that we are using in the study. They read articles about the measures and were asked to take the survey and talk about how it felt to do so.  The faculty also provided feedback on their interviews with a classmate. There were some common issues that we have seen in beginning interviewers, so I thought you might benefit from seeing them.

Slow down. People need time to think about their responses (particularly older people), so you need to provide some quiet, reflection time. When they give you a response give them 10 seconds or so to think if they have any further thoughts.

Take notes. Even if you are recording the interview and do not plan to use your notes, write down key points, names they give you, dates, etc. It will help the conversation if you can refer back to what they said previously, for example, “You mentioned that you did not like Dr. Smith earlier, how would you describe his personality compared to your present doctor, Dr. Jones?”

Keep on track. Some people are prone to going off on tangents, and may never actually answer the question that you asked. There is nothing more annoying than to go through the transcript searching for the answer to a question and realize it isn’t there!  This is also where taking notes help – if you jot down key points they mention for each question, then you are sure that they actually answered it. It is also a way to help you stay focused on the question.

Listen to your practice recordings, Yes, I know – you don’t like to hear your voice (most people don’t!), but you may discover mannerisms or tendencies that you did not realize that you do. For example, one student always said “that’s good” after each answer. The concern with offering an opinion (even if you did not mean it that way) is that the person may start responding in ways they think you want. It is better to keep neutral.

Next week we are going to try some new software for our lab meeting called GoToMeeting. It allows a webinar type of environment in which everyone can see one person’s screen and everyone is able to talk as on a conference call. I will report back on how it goes. It is rather pricey - $50 a month, but if it would let everyone get access, it would be worth it.

Lee Stadtlander