Final thoughts ahead of tomorrow's interview

I'll admit to being a bit anxious ahead of tomorrow's interview with Sian. Better that than feeling complacent, I expect. This evening I've been doing some final preparation: devising new questions and redrafting new ones. And earlier today I spent a bit of time reading over what Robson has to offer in Real World Research. Here (to aid my memory) is a list of some of the most relevant points, some of which I've already actioned:

• Avoid long questions as the interviewee may lose track of what's being asked (and from what Michael suggested, an overly long or over structured question might precipitate a short, confined response)
  
• Avoid being seen to agree of reinforce any of the interviewee's statements. Instead use 'I understand' - that kind of thing.
  
• Use open questions that allow the interviewee to generate their own ideas.
  
• Use probes to expand on a response where I think the interviewee has more to offer.
  
• Have a shopping list of topics ready
  
• Begin by introducing myself and the nature of my study
  
• Explain that the interviewee should feel to interrupt or seek clarification at any time.

Time for one more look over my interview questions and then it's time to set an alarm for tomorrow morning.