Steering the Interview

A bit of a challenge steering the interview. I realise I waste quite a bit of time letting respondents talk about what they want in the beginning. LS liked to talk about his political-economic conjectures. He seemed to like being seen as an expert and was more than eager to demonstrate his knowledge of the field. He frequently referred to his economist friends, the policymaking circles in which he moved. LdM and RC did no such thing. LdM was more amenable to being steered, although he did insist that we see his company's corporate powerpoint presentation. RC insisted that he did not deploy DWs. He was eager to establish himself as clean and a cut above the rest. He also brought up 'following the law' or 'rules and regulations' more than once.


All my respondents so far want to talk about rules and regulations. Quite a challenge to steer them away from that and to just talk about the nitty-gritty of recruitment. I have to keep it close to procedures and micropolitics of the everyday. Have to steer clear of the state for now.

Details

Twenty minutes into the transcription, I have four pages. I just realised the answers he gave me do not have the level of detail I am looking for. These answers tell me what RAs are, their concerns, their problems with government. They do not tell me what they do. I have to concentrate on that in the next interview. Perhaps I should take another look at my interview guide.

First Interview

Conducted my first interview today. I arrived a little earlier than scheduled but the interviewee was ok with it. It lasted about 1 hour and a half - it was pretty exhausting, and all I did was listen and ask some questions. I think 2 hours is pushing it. I offered a break mid-way, but he declined so we just went on. Next time I'll offer the break at 45 minutes. It will give me some time to go over the notes and think of avenues to pursue. I hardly had time to think about and reflect on what he was saying. I suspect I'll have more questions once I start transcribing. I forgot to bring a name card. I'll make it a practice to ask for referrals. I may have a good lead with an Indonesian research institute.

ETA

I realise when I am scribbling notes, it shouldn't be what is already being said (as I'm already recording it). It should probably be:
1. Some general topics brought up
2. Follow-up questions depending on what is being said