Use individual interviews (e.g. interview of faculty, students, and administrators) to obtain multiple points of view and interpretations, in-depth information, and the story behind participants’ experiences. The questions you ask shape the depth and breadth of the responses. The responses provide the basis for detailed descriptions of a situation, event, system, or process. 

The interviewer follows a protocol that includes a sequence of open-ended questions and guidelines for beginning and concluding the interview.

Here are a few tips for conducting interviews:

• Clearly state the interview purpose.
• Ensure that the interviewee is comfortable.
• Ask for permission to record the interview.
• Probe and inquire further when responses are not clear or sufficiently complete.
• Provide transitions between major topics.
• Thank the interviewee for participating.
• Take time to reflect on the interview and note any surprises that emerged.