The use of Skinner's Verbal Behavior (VB) classification system has been increasingly applied to learners with autism. In this interview, several of the best known behavior analysts were asked to answer some key questions regarding this practice, the state of research regarding the advantages of this approach, and the confusion that exists…

Presents a collection of "tricks of the trade," for oral history interviewing. The suggested techniques describe ways of questioning and interacting with oral history sources. (JDH)

Case studies have typically been weakened by the conflict between two promises that are usually made to subjects being interviewed: (1) that the focus of the evaluation is the program, not the interviewee; and (2) that the interview is an opportunity for the subject to defend his or her practice to those who seek to judge it. These promises commit…

Considers the inappropriate question in the particular context of the Modern Language Association (MLA) interview--interviews for academic positions which take place at the MLA convention. Mentions questions that are illegal as well as inappropriate. Encourages "planning" for inappropriate questions. (PA)

Warns that researchers should be wary of student writers' accounts of their writing processes. Suggests that reasonable, coherent, even captivating accounts are limited by problems of attendance, memory, and reporting and may not be based on recall but on other cognitive processes. (FL)

Whenever there is a data gathering need and a group of people have input, the group interview may be a viable approach. The authors offer a step-by-step model for conducting group interviews. (JOW)

Sexual abuse of children has been recognized as a major problem. Attempts have been made to elicit descriptions of the abuse of children. A variety of interview methods for obtaining descriptions have been used. Methods of interviewing depend on the age of the child, the purpose of the interview, and the training and philosophy of the interviewer.…

Presents a fictionalized version of an employment interview in which a faculty member is questioning a candidate as an element of the search process for position of director in an academic library. Unspoken thoughts and concerns are included. (EJS)

The educational sector should be concerned about the reasons for and consequences of employee turnover. One of the ways in which an institution can assess the reasons for the departure of its employees is the exit interview. An exit interview is designed to gain information about voluntary employee turnover. (MLW)

Analyzes news reporters' efforts to sustain both a "presidential" and "press" definition of the presidential press conference by balancing deference for the president with critical confrontation. (JMF)

Maintains that investigations of abuse of children in group care settings rely heavily on ex post facto interviewing of children and staff. Describes the role of the child advocate, or ombudsmen, in guaranteeing children's rights in the treatment center. Discusses indices of plausibility as the basis for reliable inferences in the absence of…

Problems for the biographical researcher in conducting oral interviews with primary sources are discussed. Successful biographical research using oral history must be thorough and honest. A major problem in getting candid information from primary subjects may occur if quotations touch upon areas considered personal or controversial. Other problems…

Based on organizational theory, personal experience, and system experience, suggests how new administrators in schools or the private sector can make an important first impression. Explains and justifies a theory and plan of entry that includes key interviews and an action plan based on interview data. Explains entry plan impact. (SB)

Offers advice to high school newspaper reporters on how to be ready for the unexpected when conducting interviews. Suggests that reporters get better quotes by using follow-up questions during a conversation with the interviewee than through use of preplanned questions. (MG)

Presents personal interviews with Dr. William Lee Miller, a former speechwriter for Adlai Stevenson's 1956 campaign for President; Dr. Robert Turner, a former speechwriter for presidents Harry Truman and John Kennedy; and Mrs. Dorothy Collins, a speechwriter for several key administrators at a major midwestern university. (JK)