Elicitation Strategies

Abstract

The subject of this chapter, elicitation strategies, is defined as the combination of selected canonical genres and their associated textual strategies applied to the planning of interview protocols, and also the enactment of interviews while also encouraging reflection on the interviewing performance. Developing an interview protocol now requires the selection of relevant canonical genres suitable for each question. Genre retrieval networks are used to select the most appropriate canonical genre for each question. Along with the genre retrieval networks, a generic question template has been developed that provides interviewers with the ability to facilitate eliciting responses that are in a format that allows interviewers to determine if responses are complete, or to issue sensible follow-up or clarifying questions. Some novel features of interviews are identified. A terminology and approach for discussing interviewing practices is also developed. A sustainable approach to interviewing practice that involves learning and reflection is also advocated.