Assingments % - Collecting and Considering Data of the course textbook One Step at a Time: A Roadmap for Problem Solving & Making a Difference.

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum,
Read Chapter 3: Collecting and Considering Data of the course textbook One Step at a Time: A Roadmap for Problem Solving & Making a Difference.
Review the What Factors Should Someone Consider When Conducting an Online Interview in Real Time?Links to an external site. video.
Review A Closer Look: Week 3: Diving Into the Research.
Download the Research Interview Template Download Research Interview Template.
In this discussion, you will practice effective interviewing methods and learn to conduct yourself in a professional manner.
Select the arrows to review the discussion requirements.
Part 1: Conduct an Interview
In preparation for the interview,
Select one person to interview who is relevant to or can inform them of the problem. You may elect to interview more than one person.
Follow the interview steps outlined in the Research Interview Template Download Research Interview Template.
Conduct the interview.
Part 2: Post and Respond
After the interview, in your discussion post,
Explain the relevance of the interviewee to the problem you selected.

Important: Do not reveal the identity of the interviewee.

Identify the method of survey (face-to-face, phone, text, video conference, email, etc.).
List the interview questions and a brief overview of the responses.
Describe your overall perception of the interview process and results.

What went well? What would you do differently?
Were the results as you expected?

Your initial post should be a minimum of 150 words and is due on Day 3 (Thursday).

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Guide to Completing Your Research Interview Discussion

To complete your discussion post successfully, follow these steps. This will ensure that you address each part of the assignment with clarity and professionalism.

Part 1: Conducting the Interview

1. Choose Your Interviewee:

Select someone who is relevant to the problem or research question you are focusing on. Your interviewee should have knowledge or experience that can help provide insights into the problem you are studying.
Tip: Ensure the person is willing to participate and can speak to the topic meaningfully.

2. Prepare Your Interview Questions:

Follow the Research Interview Template to guide your question development. Prepare clear and concise questions that are relevant to the topic and will give you valuable responses.
Example Questions:
- What is your experience with [topic]?
- How do you think [issue] has affected your work/life?
- What do you believe are the biggest challenges related to [issue]?

3. Choose the Interview Method:

Decide whether the interview will be conducted in-person, via phone, video conference, text, or email. Choose the method that is most convenient for you and your interviewee. For example:
- Face-to-face for in-depth discussions and rapport-building.
- Phone or video conference for remote participants.
- Text or email for short, precise responses.

4. Conduct the Interview:

Use your interview questions and follow the flow of the conversation naturally. Be sure to keep the interview professional and respectful, allowing the interviewee to speak freely while still steering the discussion to stay on track.
Record the responses in a structured format for easy reference.

Part 2: Writing Your Post

1. Introduce Your Interviewee and Relevance:

Describe the relevance of the interviewee to your topic or problem: Explain why the person was chosen to provide insights. Do not reveal their identity, but you can mention their professional background or connection to the issue.
- Example: “I interviewed a local teacher to understand the impact of remote learning on education during the pandemic.”

2. Identify the Method of Survey:

Clearly state the method used to conduct the interview (e.g., face-to-face, phone, video conference, email, etc.).
- Example: “The interview was conducted via Zoom to allow for easy communication while maintaining social distancing.”

3. List Interview Questions and Provide a Brief Overview of Responses:

Include the questions you asked and summarize the responses provided by the interviewee. Use bullet points for clarity.
- Example:
  - Q1: “What challenges have you faced while transitioning to online learning?”
    - Response: “The biggest challenge was ensuring all students had access to reliable technology.”
  - Q2: “How do you think online learning will impact students long-term?”
    - Response: “It might create disparities, especially for those who lack internet access or parental support.”

4. Discuss Your Overall Perception of the Interview Process and Results:

Reflect on how the interview went. Was it easy to get the information you needed? Were the responses insightful?
What went well? Did the interviewee provide detailed responses? Was the interview smooth, or did you encounter any challenges during the interview?
- Example: “The interview went smoothly, and the participant provided insightful responses regarding the challenges faced by teachers.”
What would you do differently? Think about how you can improve the process next time. Would you adjust the questions? Would you choose a different interview method?
- Example: “Next time, I would ensure to follow up on answers more thoroughly to get deeper insights.”
Were the results as you expected? Compare the responses to what you anticipated. Did the interview validate your assumptions, or were there surprises?
- Example: “The results were largely what I expected, but I was surprised to learn how much impact access to technology plays in the success of online education.”

Conclusion:

Conclude your post by summarizing your main takeaways from the interview. Highlight any key insights you learned and how they will inform your approach to solving the problem you are focusing on.

Final Notes:

Be professional: Even though it’s a casual discussion, aim for a tone that is formal and respectful.
Use the Research Interview Template: This will guide your process and ensure you ask the right questions.
Cite your sources if necessary: If you use additional resources (such as a textbook or article) to frame your questions or insights, be sure to cite them in APA format.

By following this structure, you will be able to write a well-organized post that showcases your ability to conduct interviews and analyze the results professionally.