6.2 Types of interview questions

Interviews are the backbone of great magazine articles. Knowing the right questions to ask can make or break your story. From open-ended to closed-ended, probing to follow-up, each type serves a unique purpose in uncovering compelling information.

Mastering these question types is crucial for any aspiring journalist. By understanding when and how to use each, you'll conduct more effective interviews, leading to richer, more engaging articles that captivate your readers and bring your subjects' stories to life.

Open-ended vs Closed-ended Questions

Characteristics and Uses

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• Open-ended questions allow for expansive, detailed responses
• Closed-ended questions typically elicit short, specific answers
• Open-ended questions often begin with words like "how," "why," or "describe"
• Closed-ended questions usually answered with "yes," "no," or specific information (dates, names)
• Open-ended questions gather qualitative data, explore complex topics, and uncover unexpected information
• Closed-ended questions collect factual information, confirm details, and quantify responses for statistical analysis
• Choice between question types depends on interview purpose, depth of information required, and time available
• Balanced mix of both types creates comprehensive and engaging interview structure

Examples and Applications

• Open-ended question example "How did you feel about the recent changes in company policy?"
• Closed-ended question example "Did you attend the company meeting last week?"
• Open-ended questions useful for exploring personal experiences (Tell me about your childhood)
• Closed-ended questions effective for demographic information (What is your age?)
• Open-ended questions reveal thought processes (Why did you choose this career path?)
• Closed-ended questions clarify specific points (Is this your first time visiting our store?)
• Combining both types "Did you enjoy the event? (closed) What aspects did you find most engaging? (open)"

Probing Questions for Detail

Techniques for Effective Probing

• Probing questions follow up initial responses to elicit more in-depth information or clarification
• Use phrases like "Tell me more about..." or "Could you elaborate on..." to encourage expanded answers
• Employ "5 Ws and H" technique (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How) to cover different aspects of a topic
• Utilize silence as non-verbal probe allowing subject time to reflect and offer additional information
• Keep probing questions neutral and non-leading avoiding assumptions or biases
• Apply echoing technique repeating subject's last few words as a question to prompt further elaboration
• Craft probing questions through active listening and quickly identifying areas requiring deeper exploration

Examples and Best Practices

• Initial question "What do you think about the new product?"
• Probing follow-up "Could you elaborate on the specific features you find most appealing?"
• Use "Why" questions to uncover motivations (Why did you choose to pursue this project?)
• Ask for examples to clarify abstract concepts (Can you give me an example of a time when you applied this principle?)
• Explore emotional responses (How did that experience make you feel?)
• Investigate cause-and-effect relationships (What factors led to that decision?)
• Encourage storytelling (Walk me through the process you followed to solve that problem)

Value of Follow-up Questions

Enhancing Interview Quality

• Follow-up questions build upon initial responses allowing thorough exploration of topics and themes
• Demonstrate active listening and engagement encouraging subjects to provide detailed and nuanced information
• Clarify ambiguities, fill information gaps, and verify interviewer's understanding of subject's statements
• Connect different parts of interview creating cohesive narrative and revealing relationships between topics
• Uncover unexpected angles or stories not revealed through initial set of prepared questions
• Allow interviewer to adapt to subject's responses in real-time creating more dynamic and productive interview
• Distinguish experienced interviewers leading to more compelling and comprehensive articles

Practical Applications

• Initial question "What inspired you to start your business?"
• Follow-up "How did your previous work experience influence your business model?"
• Use follow-ups to explore contradictions (You mentioned X earlier, but now you're saying Y. Can you explain the difference?)
• Investigate underlying assumptions (What led you to believe that approach would be successful?)
• Explore hypothetical scenarios (If you could go back and change one decision, what would it be and why?)
• Seek specific examples (Can you describe a particular instance where that strategy proved effective?)
• Connect past experiences to current situations (How has your background in X influenced your current role in Y?)

Asking Sensitive Questions Tactfully

Strategies for Delicate Topics

• Preface sensitive questions with brief explanation of why information is important providing context and purpose
• Use indirect language or hypothetical scenarios to make challenging questions feel less personal and more approachable
• Employ "sandwich technique" placing sensitive question between two less challenging ones for comfortable flow
• Build rapport and trust with subject before broaching sensitive topics to increase likelihood of honest and open responses
• Offer subject control over level of detail they wish to provide making them feel more comfortable discussing challenging topics
• Use empathetic language and acknowledge difficulty of certain questions to create supportive atmosphere for honest disclosure
• Time sensitive questions appropriately within interview typically after establishing rapport but before fatigue sets in

Examples and Considerations

• Instead of "Why did you leave your last job?" try "What factors influenced your decision to seek new opportunities?"
• Use hypothetical scenarios "If someone were facing a similar situation, what advice would you give them?"
• Acknowledge sensitivity "I understand this may be a difficult topic, but could you share your thoughts on..."
• Offer opt-out option "If you're comfortable discussing it, could you tell me about..."
• Frame questions in terms of general experiences "How do you think most people in your position handle work-life balance?"
• Use gradual approach starting with less sensitive topics and progressing to more challenging ones
• Follow up sensitive questions with supportive statements "Thank you for sharing that. Your insights are valuable for understanding this issue."