Helping other to get their life-story out and life-story research (a post 28 Dec 2009 on Learning in vivo) are closely related. Atkinson (1995) offers a number of guidelines:
- Decide who you want to interview.
- Explain your purpose to the story-owner/interviewee.
- Take time to prepare—e.g. ready the audio recording equipment and gather background information on the interviewee.
- Create the right setting for the interview.
- Get the story, by using open-ended questions (Download Extract from Atkinson R 1995 The gift of stories) and even photographs that might jog the memory.
- Remember it is not a conversation, but be a good guide and listen well and be responsive and flexible.
- Anticipate emotions to emerge—be sensitive and accommodating.
- Look for connections.
- Be organised, but most importantly be grateful.
Atkinson R. 1995. The gift of stories — practical and spiritual applications of autobiography, life stories and personal myth making. Westport, Conn.: Bergin & Garvey.
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