Interviewer flexibility

Definition

Interviewer flexibility refers to the ability of an interviewer to adapt their questioning style and approach during an interview based on the responses and behavior of the interviewee. This skill is crucial for creating a comfortable environment, allowing for deeper engagement, and uncovering richer narratives. By being responsive and modifying their techniques, interviewers can draw out more meaningful insights that may not be revealed through rigid questioning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interviewer flexibility enhances the quality of interviews by allowing interviewers to pivot based on the conversation flow, leading to more natural discussions.
2. Using interviewer flexibility helps in establishing rapport with the interviewee, making them feel more at ease and open to sharing their thoughts.
3. It allows interviewers to explore unanticipated topics or themes that may arise during the conversation, which can lead to richer narratives.
4. Flexibility can involve changing the order of questions or rephrasing them to better suit the interviewee's style or emotional state.
5. Effective interviewer flexibility requires a good understanding of both verbal and non-verbal cues from the interviewee to gauge when adjustments are needed.

Review Questions

• How does interviewer flexibility contribute to the depth of information gathered in an interview?
  • Interviewer flexibility allows the interviewer to adapt their approach based on the interviewee's responses, which can lead to more comprehensive and nuanced insights. By being responsive to verbal and non-verbal cues, interviewers can ask follow-up questions or pivot to related topics that may emerge organically. This adaptability fosters a more engaging dialogue and encourages interviewees to share deeper personal experiences or perspectives.
• Evaluate how different interviewing styles might benefit from varying levels of interviewer flexibility.
  • Different interviewing styles require different levels of flexibility. For example, structured interviews typically rely on a fixed set of questions and may allow less room for flexibility, while semi-structured or unstructured interviews thrive on adaptability. In structured interviews, maintaining consistency is vital; however, semi-structured formats benefit from the ability to explore interesting tangents or probe deeper based on participant responses. Thus, recognizing when and how much flexibility to apply can enhance data collection across various styles.
• Synthesize the importance of interviewer flexibility with respect to achieving authenticity in documentary narratives.
  • Interviewer flexibility plays a crucial role in achieving authenticity in documentary narratives by fostering genuine interactions between the interviewer and the interviewee. When an interviewer adapts their questions based on real-time feedback and emotional cues, it creates a space for authentic storytelling that resonates with viewers. This approach often uncovers personal stories and truths that reflect the complexities of human experience, contributing significantly to the richness and depth of documentary content.

Related terms

Open-ended questions: Questions that allow respondents to answer in their own words, promoting discussion and depth in responses.

Follow-up questions: Questions posed after an initial response, aimed at gaining more detail or clarification about a specific point.

Active listening: A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, and responding thoughtfully to what the interviewee is saying.