Oral History Interview & Importance Part 13

Proper Query

Hamid Qazvini
Natalie Haghverdian

2017-7-17

As stated in the previous articles, oral history is the outcome of a dialogue or an interview of the scholar with the narrator and the end content is the result of interaction between these two formed through query.

In fact, interview is an opportunity to collect data and learn about the past and address the need of today and tomorrow and the interviewer is the mediator connecting the narrator to the audience. Interview is conducted based on communication techniques; however, communication is not the ultimate goal but accessing the data and information of the narrator. In such a process, the more precise and targeted the query, the more comprehensive the answers would be.

Also, we should note that queries are not formed in information gap and basic knowledge on the subject is essential to bear a question. Hence, possessing general knowledge is essential and the more the information, the precise the query.

Though there are, unfortunately, interviewers who choose an important subject and might have a few questions in mind but lack the general knowledge required and believe that no one has addressed the issue before and there is no resource available; unaware of the fact that there are quite a few resources on the very same subject. It is the obligation of an oral history scholar to conduct library, literature and oral studies prior to selecting a subject in order to base queries on a series of verifiable information. It is to conclude that in-depth, continuous and reflection on the subject form the spirit of our efforts to design relevant questions to conduct a targeted query.

Accordingly, the following are some features of a good and relevant query:

1. Clear, precise and short to be stated in a query tone.
2. Composed of simple words to be easily comprehended by the narrator.
3. Series of questions shall be avoided.
4. Questions shall be open to receive a comprehensive answer unless a specific issue is intended.
5. There should be no “yes” or “no” questions.
6. Once receiving a short answer the narrator should be requested to elaborate.
7. Questions shall not bear the tone of interrogation.
8. Issues reserved by the narrator shall not be targeted and unnecessary details should be avoided.
9. Questions should be within the limits of the main subject and interview goals and irrelevant details shall be avoided.
10. The narrator shall be encouraged and intrigued to recall memories.
11. Questions shall be designed based on verifiable sources.
12. Questions should be designed based on a needs assessment on the main content and relevant to the needs of the audience of today and tomorrow.
13. The narrator shall not suffer anxiety and doubt and his/her confidence shall not be compromised.
14. Questions shall promote focus of the narrator on the main subject.
15. Questions shall reflect the memories and direct observations of the narrator not his/her analysis and assessment.
16. Questions shall not lead to a specific and pre-aimed response.

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 1 - Oral History, Path to Cultural Dialogue

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 2 - Characteristics of an Interviewer

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 3 - Selecting a Subject

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 4 - Narrator Identification & Selection

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 5 - Goal Setting

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 6 - Importance of Pre-interview Data Collection

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 7 - To Schedule & Coordinate an Interview

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 8 - Required Equipment & Accessories

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 9 - Presentation is vital

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 10 - Interview Room

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 11 - Pre-interview Justifications

Oral History Interview & Importance Part 12 - How to Start an Interview