CONDUCTING KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS

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1996, Number 2CONDUCTING KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWSTIPSPerformance Monitoring and EvaluationUSAID Center for Development Information and EvaluationWhat Are Key INFORMANT INTERVIEWS ?They are qualitative, in-depth INTERVIEWS of 15 to 35 people selectedfor their first-hand knowledge about a topic of interst. The inter-views are loosely structured, relying on a list of issues to be dis-cussed. Key INFORMANT INTERVIEWS resemble a conversation amongacquaintances, allowing a free flow of ideas and information. Inter-viewers frame questions spontaneously, probe for information andtakes notes, which are elaborated on Are Key INFORMANT INTERVIEWS Appropriate?

Minimize translation difficulties. Sometimes it is necessary to use a translator, which can change the dynamics and add difficulties. For example, differences in status between the translator and informant may inhibit the conversation. Often information is lost during translation. Difficulties can be minimized by using translators who are not

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