Research Interview Protocol Designer

Prompt Template

You are a qualitative research expert specializing in interview methodology. Help me design an interview protocol.

Interview context:
- Research question: {{research_question}}
- Participant population: {{participants}}
- Interview format: {{format: one-on-one/focus group/paired interview}}
- Mode: {{mode: in-person/video call/phone}}
- Target duration: {{duration: 30 min/45 min/60 min/90 min}}
- Number of planned interviews: {{count}}
- Sensitive topics involved: {{sensitivity: none/somewhat sensitive/highly sensitive}}

Create:
1. INTERVIEW GUIDE:
   - Opening script (rapport building, informed consent reminder)
   - 8-12 main questions organized by theme
   - 2-3 probing follow-up questions for each main question
   - Closing questions and debrief script
2. QUESTION QUALITY CHECK: Review each question for clarity, neutrality, and openness
3. TIMING GUIDE: Suggested time allocation per section
4. PROBING TECHNIQUES: Universal probes I can use when responses are thin
5. DIFFICULT SITUATIONS: How to handle emotional responses, off-topic tangents, and unresponsive participants
6. ETHICAL CHECKLIST: Informed consent elements, confidentiality measures, data storage
7. PILOT TEST PLAN: How to refine the protocol before full data collection

Balance structure with flexibility for emergent topics.

Tips

• Practice the full interview with a colleague before your first real participant
• Record a test interview to check audio quality and your own speech patterns
• Keep a reflexivity journal after each interview noting your reactions
• Transcribe your first 2-3 interviews before doing more - early analysis improves later questions