interview - life span development?

Question

For psychology class, I am conducting an ethnographic research, interviewing a senior citizen. Although biographic questions are expected, we should focus on the interviwee's reflections of past life events and stages whereby questions are to be more psychological in nature than historical/ biographical. As well, we have to ask the interviewee of how she or he views life at the present and future. The interview should last about 30 minutes and we must audio or video tape for class presentation purposes.

Anyways, I just was wondering if you all can give me a hand. I need help coming up with questions for the interview following the criteria listed above for the questions. Please, please help.

P.S. The questions should be more psychological in nature than historical/ biographical. Thanks. I will give points to whoever has the best collection of questions.

Answer 1

Oooh, corruption and bribery.... I like.

- What way do they think people have changed from when they were a kid?
- Who do you think made the biggest impact on the modern day and how?
- Would you include any groups in that, what impact did they make?

Remember you are there to have a conversation - it's not an interrogation. If you tell your interviewee what it is that you require, I'm sure they will do their best to help.

Your purpose in this interview (and all future interviews) is to gather information - but keep your eyes open - information doesn't just come out of the mouth, but from general posture and other body language. How does your interviewee seem to view your questions? Take notes.

What they say is actually secondary to what their body language tells you. Multi task - in addition to keeping an eye on how the interviewee is reacting, you must gently guide the answer to focus on the areas that are of interest to you. (Don't badger the subject)

Have a nice, easy-going talk with the person - AND LISTEN TO WHAT THEY SAY! You want them to feel at ease and happy to invite you back. Also, be prepared for the chat to last a little longer than 30 minutes.

The ability to question someone is a life-skill (keep your eyes open for reflection [psych term, not meandering conversation] - this will indicate that you've got it right).

Found something nice in a Google search:
http://www.rider.edu/suler/lifehistory.html

Gives you an idea of the sort of questions you might adapt to your needs - just don't ask all of them machine-gun fashion.

Nice and Steady and Easy.