Interview Protocol Template

What’s Included

The Interview Protocol Template provides a complete framework for planning and conducting qualitative research interviews. The template includes header sections for recording interview identification information: date, time, location, interviewer name, and participant code or pseudonym. You’ll find sections for informed consent and introduction where you explain the study purpose, confidentiality protections, and recording procedures.

The template features a detailed questioning route with opening, exploratory, and concluding questions that flow naturally while ensuring all key topics are covered. Each question is accompanied by suggested probes that follow up on participant responses and encourage deeper exploration. The template demonstrates the difference between closed questions that limit responses and open-ended questions that encourage elaboration.

Additional sections cover interview management including building rapport, managing difficult situations, and maintaining interview focus. The template includes space for observations about the participant, their responses, and the interview context. Sections address recording procedures, backup documentation strategies, and data management including secure storage and confidentiality protection.

Who This Template Is For

This template is essential for graduate students conducting interview-based qualitative research. Researchers in sociology, psychology, education, nursing, and applied fields rely on well-structured interview protocols. Organizations conducting exit interviews, customer research, and organizational change assessment use similar protocols. Journalists and professionals conducting research interviews benefit from this systematic approach.

Qualitative research advisors recommend interview protocols to support consistent, rigorous data collection. Academic institutions provide this template to ensure quality in qualitative research. Professionals engaged in oral history, community research, and participatory research use interview protocols similar to this template.

How to Use

Document basic interview information at the top of your protocol including date, time, location, interviewer, and participant identifier. Begin with your introduction where you briefly explain the study, assure confidentiality, describe recording procedures, and obtain informed consent. Establish that participation is voluntary and the participant can decline to answer questions.

Open with rapport-building questions that help the participant feel comfortable, such as asking about their background or experience. Progress to exploratory questions about your research topic, using open-ended questions that invite detailed responses. Prepare specific probes like “Can you tell me more about that?” or “What do you mean by…?” to follow up on interesting responses without leading the participant.

As the interview progresses, move toward your most important research questions. Maintain your neutrality and avoid showing reactions that might bias responses. Near the end, ask if there’s anything else they want to share. Thank them for their time and remind them about confidentiality and how they’ll receive findings if applicable.

Customize with GenText

GenText helps you develop a thoughtful questioning route that follows naturally while covering all key topics. The AI can assist with creating open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses and developing effective probes that explore interesting themes without leading participants. Use GenText to generate rapport-building opening questions appropriate for your participant population and to develop clear explanations of your study purpose. GenText can also help you prepare for managing challenging interview situations.