I'm learning a lot just transcribing my interviews. No matter how hard I try... I need to shut up! In transcribing, I've found that if someone hesitates or doesn't answer completely, I tend to keep following up with more questions. Sometimes 2-3 in one sentence! And that's not the worst part, I tend to LEAD unintentionally in them. I now know to really pay attention to letting the question hang... let them think... and if I do follow up for more information, to be very careful about how I word the questions. Lots more interviews to try to squeeze in, there's several people who want to talk - just trying to get it done in a short amount of time. November 10th is too soon... eek!
Finally got the focus group arranged for Monday. Cross your fingers that it stays intact until then!
I'm finding I do the same thing, Amy, with my interviews. It's so hard to not try to "help" them with the answers we WANT them to say:-)
ReplyDeleteWith you, I'm wondering if your experience on the air has something to do with this. On air, you really couldn't have dead periods, so you'd have to fill them in with more comments/clarification, etc.
Best of luck with your focus group! I think you'll find it easier to not jump in during this. I know I did. I kinda felt that the impetus to fill in space was shared by all present. Does that make sense?