Appendix A: Competent Interviewing

Question Sequence

Figure 201.1: FIGURE A.1 FUNNEL, INVERTED FUNNEL, AND TUNNEL SEQUENCES

The order in which the questions are asked can affect both the accomplishment of the interview’s goals and the comfort level of the interviewee. There are three main “shapes” that guide the ordering of questions: the funnel, inverted funnel, and tunnel sequences (Figure A.1).

In the funnel sequence, the interviewer starts with broad, open-ended questions (picture the big end of a funnel) and moves to narrower, more closed questions. The questions become more personal or more tightly focused as the interview progresses, giving the interviewee a chance to get comfortable with the topic and open up. The funnel sequence works best with respondents who feel at ease with the topic and the interviewer.

“What do you think about children playing competitive sports?” (general)
“What disadvantages have you witnessed?” (specific)
“What constraints would you advocate for young players?” (very specific)

The inverted funnel sequence starts with narrow, closed questions and moves to more open-ended questions. The inverted funnel works best with interviewees who are emotional or reticent and need help “warming up.”

“Did you perform a Mozart piece for your piano recital in junior high school?” (very specific)
“What other classical compositions are you comfortable playing?” (specific)
“How did you feel about taking piano lessons as a child?” (general)

In the tunnel sequence, all of the questions are at one level. The tunnel sequence works particularly well in polls and surveys. A large tunnel would involve a series of broad, open-ended questions. A small tunnel (the more common form) would ask a series of narrow, closed questions, as in the following example:

“Have you attended any multicultural events on campus?” (specific)
“Have you attended any sporting events?” (specific)
“Have you attended any guest lectures?” (specific)