Questions to Ask in a Research Interview
Strategic questions for research interviews that gather valuable insights, understand participant experiences, and extract meaningful data for academic or professional research projects.
1What motivated you to participate in this research study?
Click to see why this works
What motivated you to participate in this research study?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals their initial interest and engagement level, helping you understand their perspective and potential biases in their responses.
2Can you describe your experience with [the research topic] in your own words?
Click to see why this works
Can you describe your experience with [the research topic] in your own words?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Gets their personal perspective and understanding, allowing them to define the topic from their own experience rather than imposing your framework.
3What was the most significant moment or experience you've had related to this topic?
Click to see why this works
What was the most significant moment or experience you've had related to this topic?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Identifies key experiences and reveals what they consider most important or memorable about the research subject.
4How has this experience changed your perspective or behavior?
Click to see why this works
How has this experience changed your perspective or behavior?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows the impact and reveals how their experiences have influenced their thinking or actions.
5What challenges did you face, and how did you handle them?
Click to see why this works
What challenges did you face, and how did you handle them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals their problem-solving approach and shows how they navigated difficulties related to the research topic.
6What support or resources were most helpful to you?
Click to see why this works
What support or resources were most helpful to you?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Identifies effective support systems and reveals what they found most valuable in their journey.
7What would you have done differently if you could go back?
Click to see why this works
What would you have done differently if you could go back?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals their reflection and shows what they learned from their experience and how they would apply those lessons.
8How do you think others in similar situations would benefit from your experience?
Click to see why this works
How do you think others in similar situations would benefit from your experience?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows their perspective on sharing knowledge and reveals what they think others could learn from their experience.
9What advice would you give to someone just starting out with this?
Click to see why this works
What advice would you give to someone just starting out with this?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Extracts their wisdom and experience, providing valuable guidance for others in similar situations.
10What surprised you most about this experience?
Click to see why this works
What surprised you most about this experience?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals unexpected insights and shows what they didn't anticipate or what went against their expectations.
11How did this experience affect your relationships with others?
Click to see why this works
How did this experience affect your relationships with others?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows the social impact and reveals how their experience influenced their interactions with family, friends, or colleagues.
12What do you wish you had known before you started?
Click to see why this works
What do you wish you had known before you started?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Identifies knowledge gaps and reveals what information would have been most helpful at the beginning.
13How do you measure success in this area?
Click to see why this works
How do you measure success in this area?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals their success criteria and shows what they consider important outcomes or achievements.
14What resources or information do you wish were more available?
Click to see why this works
What resources or information do you wish were more available?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Identifies unmet needs and reveals what additional support or information would be most valuable.
15How has this experience influenced your future plans or goals?
Click to see why this works
How has this experience influenced your future plans or goals?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows the long-term impact and reveals how their experience has shaped their future direction.
16What would you tell someone who's considering this path?
Click to see why this works
What would you tell someone who's considering this path?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals their perspective on the decision-making process and shows what they think others should consider.
17How do you think this experience has changed you as a person?
Click to see why this works
How do you think this experience has changed you as a person?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows personal growth and reveals how their experience has influenced their identity or character.
18What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about this topic?
Click to see why this works
What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about this topic?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals their understanding of common misunderstandings and shows what they think people get wrong about the subject.
19How do you stay motivated or engaged with this topic?
Click to see why this works
How do you stay motivated or engaged with this topic?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows their ongoing commitment and reveals what keeps them interested or involved in the subject area.
20Is there anything else you'd like to share that we haven't discussed?
Click to see why this works
Is there anything else you'd like to share that we haven't discussed?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Gives them an opportunity to share additional insights or experiences that may not have come up in the structured questions.
Best Practices for Research Interviews
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Create a Safe and Comfortable Environment
Make participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Use active listening, maintain confidentiality, and show genuine interest in their responses.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Use questions that invite detailed responses rather than yes/no answers. This encourages participants to share rich, detailed information about their experiences.
Follow Up and Probe for Details
Ask follow-up questions to get more specific information. Use phrases like 'Can you tell me more about that?' or 'What was that like for you?'
Question Sequences
The Experience Explorer Sequence
The Wisdom Extractor Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Lead the Participant
Avoid questions that suggest specific answers or lead participants toward particular responses. Let them share their genuine experiences and perspectives.
Avoid Judgmental Language
Use neutral, non-judgmental language in your questions. Avoid words that might make participants feel judged or defensive about their experiences.
Don't Rush the Process
Give participants time to think and respond. Don't interrupt or rush them, and allow for silence while they process their thoughts.