INFO 380 - 4/15/2004 - Interviewing
Notes By: Egaas, Fortier, Prins


20% of our grades!!
Will be grading the interviewing instrument. Due on the 22nd next Thursday. If interviewing multiple persons, turn in multiple instruments. Write-up could be brief, but it needs to cover everything that you plan to cover. No data. Just the instrument. 20% of grade.
Note in write-up:
Objectives
Why you conducted them
What individual Goals you had

4/29 Feasibility Study DUE

Organizational/Client Overview
    > Who are they
    > What do they do?
    > How big are they? 
    > Money? (doubtful)

Feasibility Study Results
    > Intro (This section covers...)
    > What is a Feasibility Study
    > Our study
    > Three Facets of Feasability
        Technology
        Economics
        Operational

Conclusion
    > What decision has been made?
    > What shape will the rest of your study take?
    > Have in there a reasoning on why you chose the organization you did.

*** LECTURE ***

Structured and Unstructured Interviews
    > A completely structured interview is planned and the plan is strictly followed (Closed questions)
    > Closed questions are the basis of structured interviews
    > An unstructured interview is conversational (off the cuff) (Ad-hoc) (60 minutes interviews)
    
Ten Tradeoffs: Structured and Unstructured Interviews
    > Evaluation                    > Flexibility
    > Amount of time required       > Interviewee insight provided
    > Training Required             > Interviewer control
    > Spontaneity Allowed           > Precision
    > Reliability                   > Breadth and depth
    
all of these are a continuum, trade SOME flexibility for more Evaluation
    Adjust

Recording the Interview
    > Ask BEFORE arriving, don't wait until the interview is about to begin
    > Interviews can be recorded with tape recorders or notes
    > Audio recording should be done with permission and understanding
    > Can relax about taking notes about responses, leaves more time for you to focus on body language. -- Take notes don't depend on the recorder
    > It could FAIL
    > use a computer, we all have mics on our macs -- they might want that visual idea that they are being recorded though...the recorder on the table
    > Transcribing is laborious

Ask the Interviewee where they would be more comfortable.

Advantages of Audio Recording the Interview
    > The four advantages are
        - Providing a completely accurate record of what each person said
        - Freeing the interviewer to listen and respond more rapidly
        - Allowing better eye contact and better rapport
        - Allowing replay of the interview for other team members

Disadvantages of Audio Recording the Interview
    > The four disadvantages are
        - Possibly making the interviewee nervous and less apt to respond freely
        - Possibly making the interviewer less apt to listen since it is all being recorded
        - Difficulty in locating important passages on a long tape
        - Increasing costs of data gathering

Advantages of Note Taking During Interviews
    > Keeping the interviewer alert
    > Aiding recall of important questions
    > Helping recall of important interview trends
    > Showing interviewer interest in the interview
    > Demonstrating the interviewer's preparedness

Disadvantages of Note Taking During Interviews
    > Losing vital eye contact
    > Losing the train of conversation
    > Making the interviewee hesitant to speak when notes are being made
    > Causing excessive attention to facts and to little attention to feelings and opinions

Before the Interview
    > Contact the interviewee and confirm the interview
    > Dress appropriately - Don't look worse than Green
    > Arrive a little early
    > Affirm that you are present and ready to begin the interview

Beginning the Interview
    > Shake hands
    > Remind them of your name and why you are there
    > Take out note pad, tape recorder
    > Make sure the tape recorder is working

Opening Questions
    > Start with pleasant conversation, open-ended questions
    > Listen closely to early responses
    > Look for metaphors

During the Interview
    > The interview should not exceed 45 minutes to an hour
    > Make sure that you are understanding what the interviewee is telling you
    > Ask for definitions if needed
    > Use probing questions
    
Closing the Interview
    > Always ask "Is there anything else that you would like to add?"
    > Summarize and provide feedback on your impressions
    > "Is there anything you'd like to add or elaborate on?"
    > Ask whom you should talk with next
    > Set up any future appointments
    > Thank them for their time and shake hands

Interview Report
    > Write as soon as possible after the interview
    > Provide an initial summary, then more detail
    > Review the report with the respondent
    > This is not transcription, but interpretations and impressions

     THANK 

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      YOU!