Research Notes

Definition

Research notes are organized records of information gathered during the preparation phase of an interview or report. These notes compile key facts, background information, and insights that inform the interviewer’s understanding of the subject matter and enhance the quality of the questions posed. By creating a strong foundation of knowledge, research notes help to facilitate a more engaging and informed dialogue with the interviewee.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Effective research notes should include verified facts, quotes, and statistics that can be referenced during an interview to bolster credibility.
2. Taking detailed research notes can help interviewers identify themes and trends that emerge in their discussions with subjects.
3. Good research notes can improve the quality of follow-up questions, leading to a deeper exploration of the interviewee's thoughts and experiences.
4. Research notes should be organized in a way that makes it easy to locate specific information quickly during an interview.
5. Using digital tools or apps for research notes can enhance accessibility and allow for easy updates and sharing among team members.

Review Questions

• How do research notes enhance the quality of questions asked during an interview?
  • Research notes enhance the quality of questions by providing the interviewer with a solid background understanding of the topic or individual being interviewed. This preparation enables the interviewer to craft more informed, relevant, and insightful questions that resonate with the subject. As a result, it leads to a richer conversation that dives deeper into key issues and themes.
• What are some best practices for organizing research notes effectively prior to conducting an interview?
  • Best practices for organizing research notes include categorizing information into clear sections such as background info, key themes, quotes, and potential questions. Additionally, using bullet points or numbered lists can make important details easily accessible. Implementing consistent formatting styles and highlighting critical information also helps ensure that interviewers can quickly reference their notes during the interview.
• Evaluate how different methods of note-taking may impact the efficiency and effectiveness of pre-interview research.
  • Different methods of note-taking, such as handwritten notes versus digital tools, can significantly impact both efficiency and effectiveness in pre-interview research. Digital tools allow for quick edits, easy organization, and enhanced accessibility, which can save time during the preparation phase. Conversely, handwritten notes may aid retention but could become cumbersome when organizing large amounts of information. The choice of method should align with the individual's workflow preferences while ensuring that critical information is accurately captured and easily retrievable during interviews.

Related terms

Background Research: The process of gathering relevant information about a topic or individual prior to an interview to build context and depth in the conversation.

Interview Preparation: The act of planning and organizing questions, topics, and themes for discussion before conducting an interview to ensure a productive interaction.

Source Evaluation: The process of assessing the credibility and relevance of sources used to gather information for research notes.