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What is an Interview Protocol?
An interview protocol is a structured guide containing questions, prompts, and procedures for conducting research interviews. It ensures consistency across multiple interviews, helps researchers cover all important topics, and provides flexibility for following participant responses while maintaining research focus. Well-designed protocols balance structure with conversational flow.
Protocol Components
- Opening Questions - Build rapport and ease into the interview
- Main Questions - Address core research topics systematically
- Probing Prompts - Encourage elaboration and depth
- Transition Statements - Move smoothly between topics
- Closing Questions - Wrap up and allow final thoughts
- Time Estimates - Pace the interview appropriately
- Interviewer Notes - Guidance for conducting interviews
Types of Interview Protocols
Structured Interviews
Structured protocols contain predetermined questions asked identically to all participants in the same order. Limited flexibility, but maximum standardization. Best for comparison across participants or when multiple interviewers need identical approaches.
Semi-Structured Interviews
Semi-structured protocols balance consistency with flexibility. Core questions ensure key topics are covered, but interviewers can modify wording, ask follow-up questions, and adjust order based on conversation flow. Most common approach in qualitative research.
Unstructured Interviews
Unstructured protocols provide only general topic areas and starting points. Conversations develop organically based on participant responses. Useful for exploratory research or when you want participants to define what's important rather than imposing researcher frameworks.
Designing Effective Interview Questions
Open-Ended Questions
Qualitative interviews rely on open-ended questions prompting detailed responses. Instead of "Do you like your job?" ask "How would you describe your experience at work?" Open questions invite storytelling and detailed description rather than brief yes/no answers.
Grand Tour Questions
Begin topics with broad "grand tour" questions inviting participants to describe experiences comprehensively. "Tell me about a typical day" or "Walk me through how you make that decision" allow participants to structure initial responses in their own terms.
Follow-Up Probes
Prepare probing questions encouraging elaboration:
- "Can you tell me more about that?"
- "What was that experience like for you?"
- "Can you give me an example?"
- "How did that make you feel?"
- "What happened next?"
Avoiding Leading Questions
Leading questions suggest expected answers, biasing responses. Avoid "Don't you think..." or "Wouldn't you agree..." Instead, ask neutral questions: "What are your thoughts about..." or "How do you view..." Let participants express views without implied judgment.
Protocol Structure
Introduction and Consent
Begin with introductions, purpose explanation, and consent confirmation:
- Thank participant for time
- Explain interview purpose and topic
- Review confidentiality and recording
- Confirm consent and answer questions
- Establish comfortable atmosphere
Warm-Up Questions
Start with easy, non-threatening questions building rapport:
- Background information (education, work experience)
- General opinions on familiar topics
- Descriptive questions about daily experiences
- Questions establishing participant as expert
Core Research Questions
Organize main questions by theme or chronology:
- Group related questions together
- Use transitions between topic shifts
- Start broad, then narrow to specific aspects
- Save sensitive topics for after rapport builds
- Allocate appropriate time per topic
Closing and Debriefing
End professionally with opportunity for additions:
- "Is there anything else you'd like to share?"
- "What questions do you have for me?"
- Thank participant for insights
- Explain next steps
- Provide contact information
Time Management
Question Timing
Estimate time for each question or section. If you have 60 minutes and 10 main questions, allocate roughly 5-6 minutes per question including probes and participant responses. Build in buffer time for elaborations or participant questions.
Pacing Strategies
Monitor time discreetly during interviews. If running long, politely move forward: "I want to make sure we cover everything. Let me ask about..." If ahead of schedule, use additional probes to deepen understanding on important topics.
Flexibility
View time estimates as guidelines, not rigid limits. If a participant provides rich, unexpected insights on one topic, it's acceptable to spend more time there and abbreviate less productive areas. Balance structure with responsiveness.
Probing Techniques
Elaboration Probes
Encourage more detail: "Can you expand on that?" "Tell me more about..." These probes signal that you're interested and want deeper understanding, prompting participants to move beyond surface responses.
Clarification Probes
Ensure understanding: "What do you mean by..." "Can you help me understand..." These probes prevent misinterpretation and demonstrate active listening, showing participants that you value accurate understanding.
Example Probes
Request concrete instances: "Can you give me a specific example?" "Tell me about a time when..." Examples ground abstract discussions in lived experience, providing rich, vivid data.
Reflection Probes
Mirror back to deepen reflection: "It sounds like you're saying..." "Let me see if I understand..." Reflection probes verify understanding while giving participants opportunity to clarify or extend their thinking.
Protocol Testing
Pilot Interviews
Test your protocol with 2-3 participants before full data collection. Pilot testing reveals confusing questions, inappropriate language, timing issues, and missing topics. Revise based on pilot feedback before proceeding.
Question Refinement
After pilots, refine questions that:
- Confuse participants
- Elicit minimal responses
- Are redundant with other questions
- Lead participants toward specific answers
- Use jargon or technical language inappropriately
Interviewer Training
If multiple interviewers will use the protocol, conduct training sessions. Practice interviews, discuss approaches to probing, establish how much flexibility is acceptable, and ensure consistent interpretation of protocol elements.
Export and Documentation
Protocol Formats
Export protocols for different uses:
- Interviewer script - Questions with prompts and timing
- IRB submission - Formal protocol for ethical review
- Reference guide - Quick reminder of key topics
- Training document - Complete protocol with interviewer guidance
Version Control
Maintain protocol versions documenting revisions. If you modify questions after pilots or early interviews, save dated versions showing evolution. This documentation demonstrates methodological rigor and helps explain any inconsistencies.
Best Practices
Cultural Sensitivity
Design protocols appropriate for participant populations. Consider language, cultural norms, power dynamics, and potentially sensitive topics. Review protocols with community members when interviewing populations unfamiliar to you.
Conversational Flow
While protocols provide structure, interviews should feel like conversations, not interrogations. Use natural language, respond authentically to participants, and maintain eye contact rather than reading questions verbatim.
Flexibility Within Structure
Balance fidelity to the protocol with responsiveness to participants. Cover core questions with all participants, but allow order and wording variations supporting natural conversation flow.
Related Research Tools
Enhance your qualitative research with these complementary tools:
- Focus Group Guide Generator - Design structured moderator guides for group discussions that complement your individual interview data
- Research Question Builder - Develop strong research questions using FINER criteria before designing your interview protocol
- Consent Form Generator - Create professional informed consent documents for your interview participants
- Field Notes Organizer - Systematically document observations and reflections during data collection
- Codebook Generator - Develop rigorous coding schemes for analyzing your interview transcripts
Transform Your Interview Research
Stop conducting inconsistent interviews with ad-hoc questions. Design professional, systematic interview protocols that ensure comprehensive data collection while maintaining conversational rapport.
Visit https://www.subthesis.com/tools/interview-protocol - Start creating your interview protocol today, no registration required!