Types of Interview Sequences and Tricks

Types of Interview Sequences

Multi-dimensional Sequence: Developed by George Gallup, used to identify opinion and attitude density. Used in interviews and broadcasts; involves five steps, starting with the interviewer being aware of the topic, to assessing the impact and specifics of different positions, and the strength of the position.
Chronological Sequence: Used when time and order are essential; for example, interviewing an eyewitness to a street shooting, starting from the beginning and following the sequence of events.
Mixed Sequence: Uses various question types without a specific or even logical sequence. Aims to engage the interviewee by mixing difficult and easy questions, open-ended and closed-ended, friendly, hostile, biased, and unbiased. Can use surprise questions to elicit unexpected answers. Often used for discussing subjects and personalities.

Common Journalist's Tricks

Disguise: Journalists disguise themselves to access hidden information or practices that would be inaccessible if they revealed their identity. For example, a journalist for a TV program might pose as a meat packer to reveal unsanitary practices at a grocery store chain. Journalists defend these techniques by arguing that the public has a right to know about harmful practices in inaccessible places.
Flattery: Gaining favor to access sensitive information quickly; involves initial discussion of unrelated subjects to ease and calm the source.
Surprise: Following a series of seemingly insignificant questions, a specific question is asked suddenly, to surprise the source and cause them to reveal information without conscious thought.
Deception: Leading sources to believe the journalist knows more than they actually do, which is often effective. Useful when a journalist suspects something without enough proof.

Interview Techniques

Progressive Sequence: Starts with a specific event or fact, moving towards a broader understanding. Begins with a closed-ended question, followed by open-ended ones, ultimately to reach a viewpoint or comment. This approach builds credibility for the interviewee.
Tunnel Technique: Aims for immediate and genuine responses without contemplation. Connects questions about a topic into a series of questions, primarily open-ended, or closed-ended, to get quick feedback on an ongoing event. Often used when needing immediate responses at location of event. Often called "string of beads." Questions may cover different aspects, points or even different topics to assess a portion of information or evaluate an opinion.
Hidden Sequence: Aims to dismantle the interviewee's defensive strategies by mixing difficult and easy questions, open-ended and closed-ended questions, and friendly and hostile questions, potentially including embarrassing questions unrelated to the topic. This approach surprises interviewee into unexpected answers.
Free Style Interview: Suitable for personal interviews, aiming to collect viewpoints without pressure. Questions are not directed; they are intended to procure open-ended responses to gauge the interviewee's intellect and understanding of their justifications. It helps evaluate the interviewee's conviction about their opinions and engage in a natural and thought-provoking exchange. While free-form, journalist should guide the debate and maintain interest, while building trust, and considering new insights from responses.

Interviewing Victims of Violence

Consider Impact: Fully understand the trauma and emotional toll of violence.
Respect Responses: Treat reactions with sensitivity and respect. Provide the comfort to speak and respond. Anticipate social or safety pressures.
Foster Empowerment: Leave interviewee feeling empowered and supported; demonstrate empathy and understanding.
Avoid Accusation-based Questions: Avoid questions that might suggest fault or responsibility.
Privacy Matters: Respect privacy as much as possible: hide faces, voices; and body parts.
Preparation is Key: Outline what is safe to share and what should remain private, building more trust. Project strength and humanity, but don't depict the individual as weak. Prepare for interview; plan the questions, consider sequencing.
Build Trust: Ensure a safe environment; be prepared to accommodate special requests, like accompaniment from support persons if desired.
Expert Guidance: Consider consulting with counselors; learn body language to ensure more complete information acquisition.