II.
1. Types of interview questions

There are five types of interview questions: introductory, informational, assessment, closing, and admission-seeking.

(1) Introductory
Make interviewee cooperate
Ask non-sensitive questions
Start watching reactions
Characteristics:
Non-sensitive questions are asked
Uses:
To start the interview and to get the respondent to verbally agree to cooperate
Done in a step-by-step procedure in which interviewer briefly state the purpose for the contact (preferably in general terms as opposed to specific terms) and then pose a question (simple questions to put the interviewee at ease and help to build a rapport) designed to get the respondent to agree to talk further.
To establish the theme of the interview
To observe the interviewee’s reaction

Example questions: “What’s your position or title?”

(2) Informational Questions
Characteristics:
Non-confrontational, non-threatening, non-accusatory
More specific purpose: gathering factual information.
Ask in a way that will develop the facts in order of occurrence or some other systematic order
Avoid complex questions, only one question should be asked at a time, straight forward and frank questions
Don’t rush them, allow sufficient time for the respondent to respond

Uses: Three types of questions are asked: open, closing, and leading. Each questions type is used in a logical sequence in order to maximize the development of information.
Open questions are questions where yes or no answers are not appropriate, and may need elaboration. Open questions encourage a monologue and narrative type response.
Closed questions are designed to require a precise answer, usually “yes” or “no”.
Leading questions are questions that contain an answer as part of the question. Leading questions can be used to confirm facts that already are known. Example questions: