Conducting Interviews as Primary Sources

Primary research involves collecting data about a given subject directly from the real world. An interview is a powerful primary research method.

To conduct an interviews, you will need to:

1. Decide on your source, ask the person for an interview, and set a date and time, and decide how to conduct the interviews (face-to-face, phone, email, video-cam).
2. Do the background research so you will be familiar with the material to be discussed and be able to understand the terms used.
3. Make a list of good interviewing questions. Avoid questions that are biased, double-barreled, confusing, and irrelevant questions.
4. If conducting a face-to-face or video cam interview, check your recording equipment in advance to make sure everything is working correctly, and have a backup recorder ready to go in case of technical difficulties.
5. Practice asking your questions.
6. Prepare an introduction that will explain to the interviewee the purpose of the interview and how it will be used.
7. Keep in mind these useful tips: stay ready to adapt your questions if an answer to one of your questions triggers another question that pertains to your research. Keep the interview focused by redirecting the conversation with additional questions when the person you are interviewing strays too far from the focus of your interview questions.
8. Follow up your interview with a call or note to thank people for their time

Evaluating Interviews

Consider the following when your evaluate information from an interview:

1. How qualified is the person you interviewed to answer your questions?
2. Is the person giving statements of fact or opinion?
3. Is this information important? How necessary is it to your assignment?
4. Will your audience be informed or merely entertained by the information you have collected?

Citing Interviews

In your NoodleTools account, selecting the “Advanced” mode of MLA, APA, or Chicago Style of citation will allow you to cite an interview properly. Be sure to select the correct interview format: in person, phone, email, text etc.

Citing Interviews with an Indigenous Elder
(Developed by NorQuest Library in the spirit of wahkôhtowin and reconciliation as the formal MLA style does not currently have a format for Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers.)

• Unlike most other personal communications, Elders and Knowledge Keepers should be cited in-text and in the reference list.
• The citation format for the reference list follows the following format:
  • Last name, First name., Nation/Community. Treaty Territory if applicable. City/Community they live in if applicable. Topic/subject of communication if applicable. Date Month Year.
  • Example citation: Cardinal, Delores., Goodfish Lake Cree Nation. Treaty 6. Lives in Edmonton. Oral teaching. 4 April 2004.

Note: If you would like to approach an Elder or Knowledge Keeper for teachings, remember to follow protocol or if you are unsure what their protocol is, please ask them ahead of time.