How To Conduct A… Narrative Interview

What’s a Narrative Interview? A Narrative Interview captures the voice of the person interviewed, considers a significant event in that person’s life, and conveys the significance to the reader. –A Narrative Interview is not the typical Q & A. Instead it utilizes a series of follow up questions to elicit a story.

Before the Interview? 1. Choose a place that is comfortable and without distractions. 2. Explain the purpose of the interview. 3. Address terms of confidentiality. Explain what the interview will be used for and who will have access to the information shared. 4. Explain that you are looking for a story, not answers. 5. Ask them if they have any questions. 6. Ask for permission to take notes.

What Do I Ask? 1.Background - Ask about age, work, family, living situation … 2.Opinions/Feelings - Ask what a person thinks about the neighborhood, about Southeast reputation or stereotypes … 3.Knowledge - Ask about the facts, events, experiences … 4.Sensory - Ask about the details, the things that make the story interesting …

How Do I Phrase Questions? 1.Questions should be open-ended. 2.Questions should be as neutral and unbiased as possible. 3.Questions should be worded clearly. 4.Be careful asking "why" questions. This type of question may cause respondents to feel defensive. General Specific

How Do I Get The Story? Follow Up Questions are key to getting the story. If you hear something interesting in the interview, ask more about it. –Sample Question: Could you tell me about the most memorable thing that has happened to you since you’ve lived here? –Sample Follow Ups: What was so great about that? Who was all there? Did they think it was an important event too? Why does this stand out for you? What did it sound like, was there music, were people talking, was it loud?

During the Interview? 1.Take notes occasionally, don’t look surprised and then rush to write something down. 2.Ask follow up questions without interrupting. 3.Don’t offer your opinions. 4.Encourage responses with occasional nods of the head, "uh huhs.” 5.Don't lose control of the interview. Don’t let the responder stray from the topic.

After the Interview? 1.Quickly review notes. 2.Make any notes on your notes. 3.Ask any further clarifying questions or follow up questions. 4.Write down any observations made during the interview or ideas for a story.

Other Suggestions? Keep the questions simple, and ask about only one thing at a time: More helpful: What makes it difficult for you to insist on condom use? Less helpful: Thinking about all your past sexual relationships, what are the three things that have made it difficult for you to insist on condom use at times when you or your partner have been drunk, especially if this has been a casual partner?

Other Suggestions? Avoid yes/no questions, by asking how? or what? rather than do you? or other such questions that elicit yes/no or other one-word answers More helpful: What was the most helpful part of the group you attended? Less helpful: Did you find the group useful?

Other Suggestions? Avoid asking leading questions More helpful: What do you think of school-based sex education programs? Less helpful: Do you think sex education programs make more kids have sex?

Other Suggestions? Make sure the person is able to answer the question, that is, the question should address a topic he or she knows something about, so that they don ’ t have to make too many assumptions or guesses. More helpful: How did you find out about needle exchange? Less helpful: Do most IDUs in California know about needle exchange programs?

Other Suggestions? Help people come up with ideas. Sometimes people feel put on the spot by your question or simply find it difficult to come up with ideas. If they really draw a blank, you can help them in a non-leading way by suggesting a wide range of alternative responses.

Other Suggestions? Use introductions to normalize answers when asking questions about stigmatized behaviors. When you ask about sensitive or stigmatized behaviors, people are often reluctant to answer you. Sometimes it helps to preface your question with a brief statement. Make it more of a conversation than an interview.

Prepare your Interview? 1.Brainstorm possible storylines about Lincoln High. What kinds of things will people tell stories about? 2.Develop generalized questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How?) 3.Develop at least 2-3 possible follow-up questions for each general question. 4.Practice interviewing with in class partner.