Biographical questions:
Typically, a good way to start an interview is by beginning with a biographical or a life-history question. For example, you can ask them about their own spiritual or religious upbringing.
“Grand Tour” questions:
These can help you get a good sense of how the individual is connected with the group you are studying and how they engage with the group and its practice. For example:
- How did you get involved in this congregation?
- What are the different duties and responsibilities that you have as a volunteer?
- What is a regular service like?
Guided tour question:
This kind of question allows you to obtain specific information about an issue or topic. For example: Can you describe to me the steps involved in “waking the bell” in the Thich Nhat Hahn tradition?
Long descriptive question:
These questions let the interviewee give rich details answers about issues you are interested in. For example:
- In what ways does this group participate, if at all, in the local community?
- What was it like growing up as part of this community?
Nalika Gajaweera was a senior research analyst with the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture through 2023.
Andrew Johnson is a contributing fellow with the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture.
