Interviews are different from questionnaires as they involve social interaction.

The interviewers need training in how to interview.

Different types of questions which in turn generate different types of data. For example, closed
questions provide people with a fixed set of responses, whereas open questions allow people to
express what they think in their own words.

Sometimes researchers use an interview schedule. This is a set of prepared questions designed to
be asked exactly as worded. Interviews schedules have a standardized format which means the
same questions are asked to each interviewee in the same order.

Also, the language the interviewer uses should be appropriate to the vocabulary of the group of
people being studied.

Structured Interview

This is also known as a formal interview (like a job interview).

The questions are asked in a set / standardized order and the interviewer will not deviate from the
interview schedule or probe beyond the answers received (so they are not flexible).

These are based on structured, closed-ended questions.

Unstructured Interview

An interview schedule might not be used, and even if one is used, they will contain open-ended
questions that can be asked in any order. Some questions might be added / missed as the
Interview progresses.

Stages in the clinical interview

 Rapport. Is a state that occurs when two people feel that they are truly able to connect
with and communicate with one another and is usually based on shared interests, values,
and other personal factors.
 Introduction
 Reasons for Consultation.
 Exploration of the symptoms.
 Development of the interview.
 Closing. providing support and reassurance for clients, (2) returning to role induction and
client expectations, (3) summarizing crucial themes and issues, (4) providing an early case
formulation or mental disorder diagnosis, (5) instilling hope, and, as needed, (6) focusing
on future homework, future sessions, and scheduling

Important aspects to consider in an interview

Speech and non-verbal communication.

Transference vs. Countertransference. is when a client redirects their feelings from a significant
other or person in their life to the clinician. is when you as the clinician transfer your feelings onto
your client.
Basic techniques and statements

Clarification: Getting the person to clearly explain himself.

"Could you tell me more about the part about xxx"

"I'm not sure I understood the part about xxx - could you explain that some more?"

Reflection: Reflecting back something important the person just said in order to get them to
expand on that idea.

"So you believe that depression is hereditary."

"Then you do disagree with Dr. Smith."

Encouragement: Encouraging them to pursue a line of thought.

"The part about xxx is interesting. Could you say more about that?"

"I find that fascinating! Tell me more."

Comment: Injecting your own idea or feeling to stimulate the person into saying more.

"I always thought that ..."

"That part about xxx scares me."

"If I were in that situation, I would ..."

Spur: Saying something to tease, spur, or challenge the person (in a friendly way) to say more.

"But isn't it true that ...?"

"But some people would say that ..."

"Do you honestly believe that?"

Summary: Try to summarize the person's ideas to see if you really understood what he or she was
saying.

"So what your saying is ..."

"So your major point is that ..."

"Let me see if I can summarize what you've said..."