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Extending from Part I of Primary and Secondary Questions, we will now continue by discussing the second half lesson of Secondary questions.

Types of Secondary Questions Part II

Informational Probes Informational probing questions are important to get additional information or explanations. For example, if an answer appears to be superficial, begin a probing or follow-up question with phrases such as: "Explain what you mean by "executive decision." "And then what did she say?" "How did you justify the late report?" An answer may be vague or ambiguous, perhaps inviting a number of interpretations. Ask an informational probe such as:

"How are you defining "marriage"?"

"And then what did she say?"

"What do you have in mind for next semester?"

An answer may suggest a feeling or attitude in addition to factual material, so ask an informational probe such as:

"How strongly did you feel about that at the time?"

"I seem to detect hostility toward the officiating."

"How did your attitude change after you got married?"

Restatement Probes Respondents often do not answer the question that is asked or answer only a portion of the question. Rather than create a new secondary question, restate all or part of the original question or perhaps use vocal emphasis to draw attention to the original concern. Rephrasing an original question is a tactful way to avoid embarrassing an interviewee. The following is a restatement probe: Interviewer: How do you feel about the proposed "new terrain" route for the I-60 extension compared to using I-70 and US 41? Interviewee: It is all pork barrel politics. Interviewer: And how do you feel about the proposed routes for the I-69 extension?

If a person seems hesitant to answer a question or answers only part of it, the question may be unclear or seem to demand what is not easy to provide. Restate the question in a clearer, easier to answer fashion. For example:

Interviewer: Congratulations on the teaching award. What is your teaching philosophy?

Interviewee: Well…I'm not sure I have a philosophy.

Interviewer: What do you believe are the essentials for effective teaching?

If you ask a question with more than one part, a respondent may answer only one part, Restate the portion or portions left unanswered.

Reflective Probes A reflective probe reflects the answer received to verify or to clarify it so you have interpreted it as the respondent intended. Make it obvious that the purpose is seeking verification or clarification, not attempt to led or trap interviewee into giving desired answers or to question their honesty or intelligence. Be tactful verbally and nonverbally. If an answer seems inaccurate, ask a reflective probing question such as the following: "By last century, you mean the twentieth century?" "That was 8 a.m.?" "Are you sure that's your access code?"

If unsure about what a respondent has said or implied, ask a reflective question to resolve uncertainty.

A reflective probe differs from a restatement probe in that the first seeks to clarify or verify an answer while the second seeks to obtain more information asked in an initial question.

Mirror Probes

The mirror probe question ensures you have understood a series of answers or have retained information accurately. The mirror question is closely related to the reflective question, but the mirror question, rather than reflecting an answer just received, summarizes a series of answers or interchanges to ensure accurate understanding and retention. It may mirror or summarize a large portion or an entire interview.

If asked properly, reflective and mirror questions can help you avoid error caused by faulty assumptions, poor memory, or misinterpretations.

Skillful Interviewing with Probing Questions

The use of secondary, or probing, questions separates skilled from unskilled interviewers and interviewees. The unskilled person sticks with a prepared list of questions, thinks ahead to the next question, or anticipates questions prematurely, and is impatient. The skilled person listens carefully to each response to determine if the answer is satisfactory. If it is not, the questioner determines the probable cause within seconds and phrases an appropriate secondary question. Skillful probing not only discovers more relevant, accurate, and complete information but may heighten the other party's motivation because the questioner is obviously interested and listening. Secondary questions may cause problems, however. Sometimes when a person does not respond immediately, we jump in with a probing question when none is needed.

Phrase probing questions carefully and be aware of vocal emphasis.

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