Taking notes after the interview. Although there are obvious disadvantages to this approach, it might be used when it is too intrusive to tape record or take notes during an interview.

Tips for doing interviews (Robson, 1993, p. 232):

• Listen more than you speak.
• Ask questions in a straightforward, clear way.
• Show interest but avoid cues or responses that may prompt the participant to answer in a particular way.

Listening is one of the most important interview skills. It is tempting may encourage them to tell more about the topic. As well, we may need to remind ourselves to be open and receptive to what participants are saying.

There may be instances when participants tell about an issue or incident that is painful for them to recall. It is helpful if you plan ahead of time how you will deal with such instances. Some suggestions include:

• Advise participants ahead of time that issues might arise.
• If issues do arise, ask participants if they would like to continue or take a break.
• Clarify whether participants have support and resources to address the issue.
• Remind participants that they have the right to withdraw information from the interview and ask if they wish to do so.
• Be aware of how issues might affect you. Think about how you will respond if a participant discloses information that is not related to the research and that you feel unprepared to hear.

Interviews require time

• to prepare and test the interview and revise it as needed;
• to arrange the interview (time, place, consent, rescheduling as needed);
• to conduct the interview;
• to transcribe tapes or write up notes from the interview.