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eing interviewed it is important for the interviewer to establish a rapport (Kayrooz &
Trevitt, 2005). The researcher tried to establish a working relationship with the interviewee,
to make each participant feel comfortable and talk freely about the research topic, to
provide answers that are honest, reliable and objective.
Verbal factors were also taken into account. Talking at a reasonable pace and
volume ensured that the interviewee understood what was being said and did not
misinterpret the question that was being asked of them. Dull speech, anything that was of a
monotonous tone, was avoided so as not to distract the interviewee. While the interview
was in session the interviewer responded to the participants responses with verbal
comments including; yeah yeah, yes nodding, laughing, smiling and frowning (Gorden,
1980).
Often the questions used in the interview may trigger thoughts that the interviewee
will express at a later stage. Therefore it is recommended that the interviewer not be too
eager to wrap the interview up or turn off the tape (Bryman & Bell, 2003; Fontana & Frey,
1994). At the end of the interview the interviewee asked the participant to express any
thoughts that the questions had provoked. This was usually done by the participants without
any prompting. The researcher always made the participant aware that the tape was still
running, by stating “please be aware that the tape is still recording”. The researcher also
demonstrated to the participant when he had stopped the recording device.
Following the interview the interviewee was thanked for their participation. It was
also stated for the record on the tape that “this was the end of the interview with participant
X”. The researcher then explained what would happen with the data, and if the participant
should require a summary of the research, findings would be available to them at the
conclusion of the final report.
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