Conducting an Interview

Much like an encyclopedia or a search engine, an interview can be a valuable:

• one-on-one interaction
• Newspaper article
• Research tool
• Electronic resource

You're writing a research report on Andrew Jackson. Which of these is a primary source?

• A biography of Jackson written in 1990
• A letter from Jackson's wife
• A summary of of Jackson's major policies
• A painting of Jackson drawn from memory

You're scheduled to interview a small town mayor. Choose the best source for the background research.

• Wikipedia
• Local Newspaper
• Encyclopedia
• Mayor's husband

Which of these questions is open-ended?

• What is the garbage collection schedule like in your town?
• Do you think the garbage collection schedule is adequate?
• Is Tuesday a convenient day for garbage collection?
• Has garbage always been collected on Tuesdays and Thursdays?

Which item commonly used for interviews has a different purpose than the others?

• Pen
• Notebook
• List of questions
• Recording app

Which of the following would probably be the best place to conduct an interview with one of your teachers?

• The school lunchroom, during lunch time
• In the stands during a school football game
• The principal's office with the principal listening in
• In her classroom after school

Recording an interview must be sanctioned by the interviewee. What is a synonym for "sanctioned"?

• Suggested
• Approved
• Provided
• Documented

Failing to pay attention while conducting an interview could result in which of the following consequences?

• An important quote is missed
• A follow up question is asked
• A confusing answer is clarified
• A new line of questioning is suggested

Which of the following words best describes what you want an interview yo feel like?

• Chat
• Interrogation
• Speech
• Article

Which of these is a good reason to contact a subject after an interview?

• To explain how you will use the interview
• To ask if there are any answers they would like to change
• To clear up an answer you don't fully understand
• To get permission to publish the interview