Scenario
Would you consider this setting to be formal or informal?
How is the setting formal or informal? (Answer this question in 1–3 sentences.)
How does the setting affect the interviewee and his or her willingness to share information? (Answer this question in 2–4 sentences.)
How does the setting affect the interviewer? (Answer this question in 2–4 sentences.)
You are a caseworker for the Department of Children and Families in your area. You are conducting a home visit with a family for the first time. The family was referred to you by the local police for possible child neglect. The goal of the visit is to take basic notes on the condition of the home and interview the family to determine if additional intervention is needed.
Informal
The setting is informal because it’s taking place in the home of the person being interviewed.
The interviewees should feel very willing to share information since there is no immediate threat of being detained. However, they may be nervous because they probably feel they have to say the right things or have their house look a certain way if they’re worried about their child or children being taken away.
Note: Be sure to cite any resources you use in support of your answer in the References section.
The interviewer is at a disadvantage in regard to controlling the environment since the interview is taking place in a private home. I would try to sit at the dining table directly across from the female and at an angle to the male (if both are present). I would sit across from the female to make her feel more comfortable since I am male, and I would sit at an angle to the male to make the interview less confrontational.
Note: Be sure to cite any resources you use in support of your answer in the References section.
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