All semester we have been learning about elements that impact intercultural communication. Now you are going to conduct what is called “primary research.” Primary research is research you conduct. Secondary research is research that someone else conducted. Since you are creating the interview questions and you are conducting the interview, then you are doing primary research.
So, who qualifies as a person you can interview? Consider this video as inspiration for someone who might be in your life that is from a different culture.
For this Interview project, there are three stages: Proposal, Plan, and Interview. I would strongly suggest that you read this week’s and the next two weeks’ instructions for the Plan and Interview so that you have a full understanding of what you need to do in order to get a good grade and have a good interview.
I am looking forward to what you all will learn, and what we will learn from you in the process.
Prof. B
Assignment
Who in your life comes from another culture? Maybe someone at a store where you shop, or maybe someone at your church. It could be a person at the gym or it could be a friend of your parents. This interview can take place on the phone or face-to-face. It can even take place through email. Remember, color of skin and an accent are not the only indicators. I am Canadian and come from another culture – so think broadly. (Note: I am not available as an interview option – sorry).
You will be asking them for 15 minutes of their time to answer 4-6 questions regarding their culture. Let them know it is for class, and you hope to gain a greater understanding of their culture.
When you approach this person to ask if they would be willing to be interviewed, be prepared to respond appropriately whether your first choice says yes, no, or let me think about it. Of course, you are under a time restraint, but you can still give your first choice a day to think about it. If the answer is no, then move on to your second choice, and if your second choice says no, then move on to your third choice. However, if you have received two no’s, then you might need to rethink how you are making the request. Are you intimidating, are you unclear regarding your expectations, or is there a slight shift you need to make so that they are comfortable saying yes?
Once you receive the “yes”, then you are ready to submit your proposal for my approval. Let the person you have approached for the interview know that you will need my approval, just in case I tell you that your choice is not one that will work for this project.
Assignment Template
Please fill in the following template (remove the [ ] before filling it in)
Your name
Prof. Boyer
Class
Date
Interview Proposal
Person: [Who are you going to interview and how do you know them?]
Culture: [What culture do they come from and how is it different from yours?]
Answer: [What was their reaction when you asked them?]
How: [How are you going to conduct the interview – face-to-face/phone/email/etc.?]
Submit this completed template to the link for grading.
