Unit II Classroom Applications of Fieldwork Basics
Lesson 4 Teams in the Field

Questions About a Place

Name of Student Interviewer: _____________________ Date: ____________

Name of Interviewee:____________________________________________

Location the Interview is about: __________________________________

Male or Female (circle) Age:__ Written Release Acquired? __ Oral Release? __

 

When you conduct an interview about a place, keep in mind the interviewee's relationship to the place. What does this place mean to him or her? What do the people in the place mean? What do the customs, traditions, and material culture of the place mean?

Instructions: Below are some questions you might ask. Check or highlight the ones you could use for this interview. Add them to your Journal or list of questions.

  1. What is your name? Please spell it. When and where were you born?


  2. How long has this site been in existence?


  3. What is the purpose of the site?


  4. How many and what kinds of people are associated with it?


  5. How long have you been associated with it?


  6. What are your specific tasks here?


  7. What was it like when you first started? [This question is for a person who has been associated with the site for a while.]


  8. Why do you stay associated?


  9. What is a typical day like for you?


  10. Tell me about a time that really stands out for you.


  11. Are there any traditions or customs practiced here?


  12. Are there any special objects associated with the place?


  13. How are holidays celebrated?


  14. What stories get told over and over again?


  15. What do you think is most important about this place?


  16. Is there anything you would like to add?


List possible follow-up questions on the back, or on another sheet of paper.

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