Elaboration requests

Definition

Elaboration requests are prompts used in interviews to encourage interviewees to provide more detailed and in-depth responses. These requests help elicit richer information and insights, allowing the interviewer to gain a deeper understanding of the subject being discussed. By inviting elaboration, interviewers can foster a more open dialogue, prompting the interviewee to share their thoughts and experiences more fully.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Elaboration requests often begin with phrases like 'Can you tell me more about...' or 'What do you mean by...?' to prompt deeper exploration of a topic.
2. Using elaboration requests can help interviewers uncover underlying themes or patterns in the interviewee's responses that might not surface with simple questions.
3. These requests not only enhance the richness of the information collected but also demonstrate to the interviewee that their thoughts and experiences are valued.
4. Effective use of elaboration requests can lead to a more engaging and interactive interview experience, fostering trust between the interviewer and the interviewee.
5. Elaboration requests are particularly useful in qualitative research settings where depth of information is crucial for analysis.

Review Questions

• How do elaboration requests differ from regular questions in an interview setting?
  • Elaboration requests differ from regular questions because they specifically aim to prompt the interviewee to expand on their previous responses, seeking more detail and insight. While regular questions may elicit short or surface-level answers, elaboration requests encourage deeper reflection and storytelling, which can reveal important context and nuances in the interviewee's experience. This technique transforms the conversation into a richer dialogue, making it more informative and engaging.
• In what ways can effective use of elaboration requests enhance the overall quality of an interview?
  • Effective use of elaboration requests can significantly enhance the overall quality of an interview by promoting a deeper understanding of the interviewee's perspectives and experiences. When interviewers invite elaboration, they create an environment where respondents feel comfortable sharing more comprehensive insights. This not only yields richer data but also strengthens the rapport between interviewer and interviewee, making for a more interactive and meaningful exchange.
• Evaluate the impact of elaboration requests on gathering qualitative data during interviews and how this affects analysis.
  • Elaboration requests play a crucial role in gathering qualitative data by encouraging participants to share detailed narratives and insights that might otherwise remain unexpressed. This depth of information is invaluable for analysis as it allows researchers to identify themes, patterns, and underlying motivations in participants' responses. The effectiveness of this method can significantly influence the outcomes of qualitative research, leading to more nuanced interpretations and conclusions that better reflect the complexities of human experience.

Related terms

Follow-up Questions: Questions that are asked after an initial response to gather more information or clarification on specific points.

Active Listening: A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the interviewee is saying.

Open-ended Questions: Questions that allow for a wide range of responses rather than requiring a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer.