CM 220 Unit 3 Seminar

Professor Aubuchon, M.A.

General Education, Composition

Kaplan University

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Unit 3 Activities

• Reading: Introduction to unit; Qualitative research article; Interview Tips (WC); Research Resources (WC)

• Invention lab: Reflection on senate hearing videos from Rogers and Gore

•  Seminar: Conducting mock interviews and discussion of listening skills

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PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES

Primary source:“A primary source is a document or physical object which

was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event. Some types of primary sources include: ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS (excerpts or translations acceptable): Diaries, speeches, manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film footage, autobiographies, official records 

• CREATIVE WORKS: Poetry, drama, novels, music, art  • RELICS OR ARTIFACTS: Pottery, furniture, clothing,

buildings “ (What is a primary source, 2009).

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PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES, 2

Examples of primary sources include: • Diary of Anne Frank - Experiences of a Jewish

family during WWII  • The Constitution of Canada - Canadian History  • A journal article reporting NEW research or

findings  • Weavings and pottery - Native American history  • Plato's Republic - Women in Ancient Greece 

(What is a primary source, 2009)

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PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES, 3

SECONDARY SOURCES:“A secondary source interprets and analyzes

primary sources. These sources are one or more steps removed from the event. Secondary sources may have pictures, quotes or graphics of primary sources in them. Some types of seconday sources include: PUBLICATIONS: Textbooks, magazine articles, histories, criticisms, commentaries, encyclopedias ” (What is a primary source, 2009)

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PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOURCES, 4

EXAMPLES OF SECONDARY SOURCES:• A journal/magazine article which

interprets or reviews previous findings  • A history textbook  • A book about the effects of WWI  (What is

a primary source, 2009).

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INTERVIEWS

Is this a PRIMARY or SECONDARY source?

What are the benefits of conducting an interview?

Is all interview information useful and reliable?

How do you determine what information is useful and reliable?

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How to Conduct an Interview

1. Select interview subject 2. Prepare for interview3. Conduct interview4. Follow up

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SELECT INTERVIEW SUBJECT

Who would be a good source of information for your subject?

How well known is this person? Is this person an expert on the subject?

How do you locate this person? How do you request and schedule an

interview?

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PREPARE FOR THE INTERVIEW

Research your intervieweeEstablish a goal or purpose for the

interviewPrepare questions in advancePrioritize the questions

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COMING UP WITH QUESTIONS

• Ask yourself: “What do I need to know?”• Write a list of things you want to find out• Write a list of questions that will help your

interviewee discuss this information• Avoid biased questions: “Don’t you think we

could improve campus parking by building another parking garage?”

• Check the questions carefully to see if the wording could be offensive to your interviewee (How to conduct an interview, 2008).

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YES/NO vs OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS

Yes/no questions can be answered with a simple yes or no. They may not be very productive or illicit much information.

Ask OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS, questions that allow the interviewee to explain, clarify and defend an idea.

Yes/no: Will you support the new tax increase?Open Ended: How will increased taxes benefit

or hurt local businesses?

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During the Interview

Be gracious and thank the person for his or her time.

Respect this person’s time by being on time and prepared.

Pay attention to what the person is saying and use the opportunity to ask follow up questions

Take notes or record the interview (with permission)

Stick to the subject but be flexible.

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LISTENING SKILLS

When you interview or are the subject of an interview, listening is a very important skill.

Look at your interviewee. We learn a lot from a person’s facial expressions, tone, posture, eye contact.

How can YOU show you are listening and paying attention?

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FOLLOW UP

A follow up thank you note would be appropriate.Transcribe your notes as quickly as possible after

the interview.Give the interviewee an opportunity to review the

notes to be sure they are accurate.

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YOUR TURN

Whom would you like to interview and why?

What questions would you like to ask?What kind of information would you

like to get from the interview?How will you arrange the interview?

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WORKSHOP

• Partner with a classmate.• Prepare questions.• Interview your subject.• Report your findings.

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