Crafting Your Questions

This section delves into the skill of asking questions without introducing personal bias. The suggested questions in the session aim to prompt storytelling from the audience and assist interviewees in formulating their questions.

Understanding Confirmation Bias & Skewed Question

Confirmation bias simply refers to our tendency to ask questions that already align with what we believe or hold to be true. However, bias is often built on a generalization that may not always hold true for all instances. Propagating bias could lead to increased stereotypes and discrimination and could impede our ability to learn new information that is helpful for the research.

Identifying Bias in Research Questions

In groups of three or more, students should attempt to identify the bias in the following questions and discuss how they will improve these questions.

1. Don’t you agree that the new water distribution system has significantly improved access for the community?
2. Considering the budget constraints, do you think the community is satisfied with the current water access conditions?
3. Do you find the new water infrastructure efficient and reliable?
4. How satisfied are you with the recent improvements in water availability?
5. As a resident of this community, how do you handle water scarcity issues?
6. Don’t you think the recent changes in water management have negatively affected community satisfaction?
7. Wouldn’t you agree that everyone in the community benefits from the new water conservation measures?
8. Given the community’s commitment to water conservation, you support the new water recycling initiative, right?

Suggested Interview Questions

Students can choose some of these questions to ask their interview subject, based on the theme they chose and the research conducted. These are suggested questions, and students can supplement with additional questions that are not identified here.

1. Introduction
   • Tell me about your community. How long have you and your family lived here?
   • How has water played a significant role in your life and the community here?
   • Can you share a specific memory related to water that has stayed with you over the years?
   • How has water shaped your daily routines, traditions, or rituals?
2. Community Impact
   • In what ways does water impact the community around you?
   • Are there any local stories, legends or myths related to water that you find particularly fascinating?
   • Are there any annual events, rituals, or traditions that highlight its importance?
   • How has access to clean water influenced the well-being of the community?
3. Water and Environmental Changes:
   • Have you noticed any changes in the local environment, such as water levels or quality of water for everyday use? How have these changes affected the community?
   • What do you think can be done to address environmental concerns related to water in your area?
   • Which person or organization has supported the community in advocating for water access or services?
4. Community Initiatives:
   • Are there any community-led initiatives or projects focused on water conservation or sustainability? Can you share your involvement or experiences with these efforts?
   • How do you see the role of the community in preserving water resources for future generations?
   • What kinds of help does the community need with water? And which person or organization has supported the community in advocating for water access or services?
5. Hopes and Dreams:
   • What are your hopes for the future concerning water in your community? Are there any projects or changes you would like to see?
   • How do you envision the relationship between your community and water evolving over time?
6. Advice and Reflection:
   • Looking back, what lessons have you personally learned from your experiences with water?
   • If you could shape how future generations perceive or relate to water, what advice would you like to share?
   • If there’s anything you would like a museum visitor to remember about your community, what would that be?
7. Demographic information
   • How old are you?
   • How do you normally make a living?
   • What is the highest level of education you completed?
   • What race or ethnicity do you identify with?
   • How would you describe your gender?
   • How many people are in your household?

Resources to explore for designing your Questions

Students should use this session to brainstorm and come up with their interview questions and share for feedback before sharing them with the instructor.  

Additional resources for crafting interview questions

1. Cheat sheet for user interview questions
2. User Research Question Bank by UXArmy