How do you deal with unexpected or sensitive situations during field research interviews?

1 Know your purpose and ethics

Before you conduct any field research interviews, you should have a clear purpose and research question in mind. This will help you design your interview guide, select your participants, and obtain informed consent. You should also follow ethical principles, such as respecting privacy, confidentiality, and autonomy of your interviewees. You should explain the purpose, scope, and duration of the interview, as well as how the data will be used and stored. You should also give your interviewees the option to withdraw or skip any questions they are not comfortable with.

2 Build rapport and trust

One of the key skills for field research interviews is to build rapport and trust with your interviewees. This will help you create a positive and respectful atmosphere, where they feel comfortable to share their opinions and experiences. You can do this by introducing yourself, expressing interest and empathy, using appropriate body language and tone, and avoiding judgment or bias. You should also acknowledge and appreciate their time and contribution, and follow up with a thank-you note or email.

3 Adapt and improvise

Even with a well-planned interview guide, you may encounter unexpected or sensitive situations during field research interviews. For example, your interviewee may reveal personal or emotional information, express strong or controversial views, or ask you questions that are out of scope or inappropriate. In these cases, you need to adapt and improvise, depending on the context and the relationship. You may need to probe deeper, redirect the conversation, provide support or reassurance, or politely decline or defer the question. You should always be respectful, attentive, and flexible, and avoid reacting defensively or aggressively.

4 Document and reflect

After each field research interview, you should document and reflect on what happened. You should record and transcribe the interview, if possible, or take detailed notes of the main points and quotes. You should also note any observations, impressions, or insights that you gained from the interview. You should also reflect on how you handled any unexpected or sensitive situations, and what you learned from them. You should identify any strengths or weaknesses in your interviewing skills, and any areas for improvement or further research.

5 Seek feedback and support

Field research interviews can be rewarding, but also challenging and stressful. You may encounter situations that are emotionally draining, ethically complex, or professionally demanding. Therefore, you should seek feedback and support from your peers, mentors, or supervisors. You can share your experiences, challenges, and learnings with them, and ask for their advice or suggestions. You can also seek emotional support or counseling, if needed. You should also take care of yourself, and practice self-care and relaxation techniques.

6 Learn and improve

Finally, you should learn and improve from your field research interviews. You should analyze and synthesize the data you collected, and use it to answer your research question or inform your design decisions. You should also evaluate your interviewing skills and competencies, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. You should seek opportunities to practice and refine your skills, such as taking courses, reading books, or joining communities of practice. You should also celebrate your achievements, and appreciate the value and impact of your field research interviews.