Interviews

Definition

Interviews are structured conversations in which one person asks questions to another in order to gather information or insights. They serve as a valuable method for obtaining primary source material, allowing researchers to capture personal accounts, perspectives, and experiences that can deepen understanding of historical events and contexts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interviews can be formal or informal and may include structured questions or open-ended discussions, depending on the research goals.
2. The process of conducting interviews requires careful planning, including selecting appropriate participants and developing relevant questions to elicit informative responses.
3. Interviews can provide unique insights into personal experiences and viewpoints that are often missing from traditional written records.
4. The information gathered from interviews can be used to supplement other primary sources, creating a more comprehensive view of historical events.
5. Ethical considerations, such as obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality, are essential when conducting interviews for research purposes.

Review Questions

• How do interviews enhance the quality of primary sources in historical research?
  • Interviews enhance primary sources by providing personal narratives and lived experiences that offer depth and context to historical events. They allow researchers to capture the emotions, thoughts, and interpretations of individuals who were directly involved, which may not be reflected in official documents or records. This direct engagement with sources adds richness to the understanding of history.
• In what ways can oral history interviews differ from traditional written primary sources in their contribution to understanding history?
  • Oral history interviews differ from traditional written primary sources in that they capture the subjective experiences and emotions of individuals, providing a more personal perspective on events. While written sources may reflect the views of powerful institutions or groups, oral histories can highlight marginalized voices and diverse viewpoints that contribute to a fuller understanding of historical narratives. This can help challenge established interpretations and enrich the overall historical record.
• Evaluate the ethical implications involved in conducting interviews as a method of gathering primary sources for historical research.
  • Conducting interviews presents several ethical implications that researchers must navigate carefully. These include ensuring informed consent from participants, protecting their privacy, and being sensitive to their emotional well-being when discussing potentially traumatic experiences. Additionally, researchers have a responsibility to accurately represent interviewees' words and intentions in their work, maintaining integrity and respect for the individuals whose stories contribute to historical understanding.

Related terms

Primary Sources: Original documents or firsthand accounts created at the time of an event, offering direct insight into historical experiences.

Oral History: A method of collecting historical information through recorded interviews with individuals who have experienced or witnessed events.

Qualitative Research: A research method focused on understanding human behavior and the reasons behind it, often using interviews to gather in-depth insights.