Interviewing (Was: Re: What may new subscribers post?)

["Guy L. Pace" <pace -at- COOPEXT -dot- CAHE -dot- WSU -dot- EDU>]

At 12:20 PM 9/23/96 -0500, Lisa wrote:
---snip---
>below.  I would like to see a discussion concerning interviewing and =
>observation techniques.  I have been to several workshops on how to =
>interview for requirements gathering and on usability labs.  I am =
>interested in hearing about your experiences and training in these areas =
>because I do think listening is an oft overlooked skill.
---snip---

Interviewing techniques depend very much on what you are seeking. If you
want in-depth, detailed and personal responses for biographies and features,
you should use a technique that involves not asking questions. I was
involved in some research on that technique some time ago.

If you are simply seeking product requirements, or positive/negative
feedback, (jus' the facts, ma'am) then direct questions work best.

For quantifiable information (rate this, rate that), a well-thought-out
survey sheet works well.

Depending on what you want to accomplish, any, or a combination, of the
above would serve well.

Okay, that should get a discussion started.


Regards:  Guy L. Pace (pace -at- wsu -dot- edu)
          Computer Support Analyst II
          Washington State University
          AMA#606009   DoD#0974
          http://coopext.cahe.wsu.edu/~pace/

"My mind is my own church." Thomas Paine