Asking questions
There are many academic situations in which students are expected to ask questions, after
lecturers for example, questions create opportunities for deeper learning and show interest
and attention, questions are also important in seminars and presentations. When interviewing
in social research, it is good practice to produce an interview guide of prepared questions, and
Kvale (1996) has identified nine types of question asked in qualitative interviews.
Introducing questions: These questions introduce the topic and are designed to encourage
the participant to speak as much as possible:
Why do you...?'
Follow up questions: Through these you can elaborate on their initial answer:
Note: To follow on from a point the interviewee has made you do not necessarily have to ask
a question. A nod, 'mm' or even a pause may indicate to the interviewee to carry on.
Probing questions: You can employ direct questioning to follow up what has been said and
to get more detail. 'Do you have any examples?' or 'Could you say more about...?'
Specifying questions: Such as 'What happened when you said that?' or 'What did he say
next?'
Direct questions: Questions with a yes or no answer are direct questions. You might want to
leave these questions until the end so you don't lead the interviewee to answer a certain way.
Indirect questions: You can ask these to get the interviewee's true opinion.
Structuring questions: These move the interview on to the next subject. For example,
'Moving on to...'
Silence: Through pauses you can suggest to the interviewee that you want them to answer
the question!
Interpreting questions: 'Do you mean that...?' or 'Is it correct that...?'