Method Training: Conducting Interviews (Introduction)
Objective: This worksheet aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of conducting social science interviews, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful interviewing.
Content and methods: The worksheet begins by defining social science interviews, explaining their purpose, and providing practical examples. It encourages small group discussions on why people share stories and what can be discovered through interviews. A key component is the collaborative creation of a mind map covering important terms and aspects of interview conduction, with a sample solution provided for teachers. The worksheet also includes questions based on an external YouTube video ("How to Conduct an Interview") to assess students' understanding of interview procedures. Finally, it introduces different interview types (structured, unstructured, semi-structured) and tasks students with matching the most suitable interview type to given topics, as well as formulating their own interview questions.
Competencies:
- Reading comprehension and information processing
- Critical thinking and problem-solving (e.g., selecting appropriate interview types)
- Communication and teamwork (discussion, mind map creation)
- Media literacy (utilizing the YouTube video)
- Analytical thinking (answering multiple-choice questions)
- Creativity and question formulation (developing own interview questions)
- Reflection (identifying qualities of a good interviewer)
Target group: Students in secondary education (in the context of civics/social sciences/social studies).
57 other teachers use this template
Target group and level
Students in secondary education (in the context of civics/social sciences/social studies)
Subjects
Method Training: Conducting Interviews (Introduction)
Discover the world of interviews - This is how we truly get to know people!
Why are interviews so exciting?
Imagine you could look into the thoughts of other people. What would they be thinking? How do they see the world? Interviews are like a window into the lives of others - and you can open that window a little bit!
Social science interviews
Read the following info box to learn more about interviews in the field of social sciences.
What is a social science interview?
Definition
A social science interview is a conversation in which one person (the interviewer) asks another person (the interviewee) questions to learn more about their experiences, opinions, and feelings.
Why are interviews conducted?
Social scientists use interviews to learn more about people and their stories. It helps to gain a better understanding of different perspectives and cultures.
Examples of interviews in practice
- A journalist interviews a politician about current issues.
- A sociologist talks to young people about their visions for the future.
- An anthropologist interviews villagers about their traditional festivals.
Conducting a social science interview
Use this space to copy the mind map from the board.
Additional information for teachers
Sample solution for the mind map
How do I conduct an interview?
Watch the following video, then answer the corresponding questions.
Choose the correct answer for each question.
Different types of interviews
Structured interview
The interviewer has a fixed list of questions that are asked in a specific order.
Unstructured interview
The conversation is open, and the interviewer responds flexibly to the interviewee's answers.
Semi-structured interview
A mix of both: There are some prepared questions, but also room for spontaneous questions.
Group task: Match the interview type to the topics
Read through the different types of interviews and then decide for each topic which interview type is most suitable:
Topic 1: "The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers"
Topic 2: "The Story of a World War II Eyewitness"
Topic 3: "Students' Opinions on Healthy Eating in School"
Now, write down the appropriate interview type and a brief justification for each topic.
Conducting an interview
Reflection - What makes a good interview?
