Sample Probing Questions
Probing questions are essential in interviews to obtain detailed information. Here are sample probing questions to help you elicit more comprehensive responses from your interviewee.
What Are Probing Questions?
Probing questions are designed to encourage deeper thought and elicit more information. They can be particularly effective in interviews, allowing the interviewer to explore beyond initial responses.
Examples of Probing Questions
1. Can you elaborate on that? This question encourages the interviewee to expand on their previous statement.
Why Do You Feel That Way?
This question seeks to understand the underlying reasons for the interviewee’s feelings or opinions, providing insight into their thought process.
What Did You Learn From That Experience?
This question aims to uncover lessons learned and personal growth, making it an effective way to probe into experiences.
How Did That Make You Feel?
Encouraging the interviewee to discuss their emotions can lead to deeper insights and a better understanding of their perspective.
What Alternatives Did You Consider?
This question helps explore the decision-making process of the interviewee and can reveal their critical thinking skills.
What Challenges Did You Face?
Asking about challenges allows the interviewer to gauge the interviewee’s resilience and problem-solving capabilities.
Can You Give an Example?
Requesting examples helps clarify vague statements and provides concrete illustrations of the interviewee’s points.
What Would You Do Differently?
This question encourages reflection and can highlight the interviewee’s growth mindset and ability to learn from past experiences.
Conclusion
Utilizing sample probing questions can significantly improve the quality of your interviews. These questions not only facilitate deeper discussions but also help you gather more comprehensive information.