🕵️Investigative Reporting Unit 9 – Conducting In–Depth Interviews

What's the Point?

• In-depth interviews provide a wealth of detailed information and insights from a single source
• Allows the interviewer to explore a topic in great depth, uncovering nuances and complexities
• Gives the interviewee the opportunity to share their personal experiences, opinions, and perspectives
• Helps to humanize a story by putting a face and a voice to the issues being investigated
• Can be used to corroborate or challenge information obtained from other sources
• Provides valuable quotes and anecdotes that can be used to enrich the final report or article
• Enables the interviewer to build rapport and trust with the interviewee, which can lead to more candid responses

Key Concepts

• Open-ended questions encourage the interviewee to provide detailed, thoughtful responses
• Active listening involves fully concentrating on and engaging with what the interviewee is saying
• Building rapport establishes a positive, trusting relationship between the interviewer and interviewee
• Non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, can provide additional insights
• Probing involves asking follow-up questions to clarify or expand upon the interviewee's responses
• Objectivity requires the interviewer to remain neutral and avoid imposing their own biases or opinions
• Confidentiality ensures that the interviewee's identity and sensitive information are protected
• Informed consent involves obtaining the interviewee's permission to use their information in the final report

Planning Your Interviews

• Identify the key individuals who can provide valuable insights and information related to your investigation
• Research your interviewees' backgrounds, expertise, and potential biases to help inform your questions
• Determine the most appropriate format for each interview (in-person, phone, video call)
• Choose a location that is comfortable, private, and free from distractions
• Prepare a list of questions that cover the main topics you want to address, but remain flexible
• Prioritize your questions to ensure that you cover the most important ones first
• Allow ample time for each interview to avoid rushing or cutting the conversation short
  • As a general rule, plan for at least 30 minutes to an hour for each interview
• Confirm the interview details with the interviewee in advance, including the date, time, location, and expected duration

Interview Techniques

• Begin with an ice-breaker or casual conversation to help put the interviewee at ease
• Use open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses, rather than yes/no answers
• Listen actively and attentively, maintaining eye contact and showing genuine interest
• Allow moments of silence to give the interviewee time to think and elaborate on their responses
• Ask follow-up questions to clarify or expand upon important points
• Rephrase or summarize the interviewee's responses to ensure that you have understood them correctly
• Be flexible and willing to deviate from your prepared questions if the conversation leads to unexpected but relevant information
• Maintain a neutral, non-judgmental tone throughout the interview to avoid influencing the interviewee's responses

Asking the Right Questions

• Start with broad, general questions and gradually narrow down to more specific, detailed ones
• Use "how" and "why" questions to encourage the interviewee to provide more in-depth responses
• Avoid leading questions that suggest a particular answer or bias the interviewee's response
• Ask one question at a time to avoid confusion and ensure that each point is addressed fully
• Use hypothetical scenarios or "what if" questions to explore the interviewee's thoughts on potential situations
• Ask about specific examples or anecdotes to help illustrate the interviewee's points
• Inquire about the interviewee's personal experiences, feelings, and opinions related to the topic
• Conclude with an open-ended question that allows the interviewee to add any additional information they consider relevant

Handling Tricky Situations

• If an interviewee becomes emotional or upset, show empathy and understanding, but remain professional
• If an interviewee refuses to answer a question, respect their decision and move on to other topics
  • Consider revisiting the question later in the interview if it is essential to your investigation
• If an interviewee provides inconsistent or contradictory information, gently probe for clarification without being confrontational
• If an interviewee goes off-topic or rambles, politely redirect the conversation back to the main points
• If you suspect that an interviewee is lying or withholding information, try to corroborate their statements with other sources
• If an interviewee becomes hostile or aggressive, remain calm and composed, and consider ending the interview if necessary
• If you feel that an interviewee is in danger or at risk of harm, prioritize their safety and well-being above obtaining information

Recording and Note-Taking

• Always obtain the interviewee's permission before recording the conversation
• Use a reliable recording device with high-quality audio to ensure that the conversation is captured clearly
• Test your recording equipment before the interview to avoid technical issues
• Take notes during the interview to capture key points, quotes, and observations
  • Notes can serve as a backup in case of recording equipment failure
• Develop a consistent system for organizing your notes (chronological, by topic, etc.)
• Review and expand upon your notes immediately after the interview while the details are still fresh in your mind
• Transcribe important sections of the recording, especially direct quotes that you may want to use in your final report
• Securely store your recordings and notes to protect the interviewee's privacy and confidentiality

After the Interview

• Thank the interviewee for their time and valuable insights
• Provide your contact information in case the interviewee wishes to follow up or share additional information
• Inform the interviewee of the next steps in your investigation and when they can expect to see the final report
• Review your notes and recordings to identify key themes, patterns, and insights
• Compare the information obtained from the interview with other sources to assess its reliability and validity
• Follow up with the interviewee if you need clarification or additional information on specific points
• Consider sharing relevant portions of your final report with the interviewee as a courtesy and to ensure accuracy
• Reflect on the interview process and outcomes to identify areas for improvement in future interviews

Ethical Considerations

• Respect the interviewee's privacy and confidentiality, especially when dealing with sensitive topics
• Obtain informed consent from the interviewee before using their information in your final report
• Be transparent about the purpose and scope of your investigation, as well as your role as a journalist
• Avoid misrepresenting or sensationalizing the interviewee's statements in your final report
• Give the interviewee the opportunity to respond to any allegations or criticisms that may arise from your investigation
• Protect vulnerable interviewees, such as whistleblowers or victims of abuse, from potential retaliation or harm
• Avoid offering incentives or rewards in exchange for information, as this can compromise the integrity of the interview
• Continuously evaluate the potential consequences and impact of your investigation on the interviewees and their communities