Chapter 4 - Information Gathering: Interactive Methods

What does IBM recommend for the structured approach of JAD? Where would it be less useful?

Recommend holding the 2-4 day sessions off-site, away form the organization, in comfortable surroundings.

Define what is meant by closed interview questions. List six benefits and four drawbacks of using them.

Limits the responses available to the interviewee. BENEFITS: 1. saving time 2. easily comparing interviews 3. getting to the point 4. keeping control over the interview 5. Covering lots of ground quickly 6. Getting to relevant data CONS: 1. Boring for the interviewee 2. Failing to obtain rich detail (because the interviewer supplies the Frame of reference for the interviewee) 3. Failing to address the main ideas for the preceding reason 4. Failing to build rapport between interviewer and interviewee

Why is it important to seek opinions during interviews?

Opinions may be more important and more revealing than facts.

Bipolar Closed Questions

limits the interviewee by allowing only a choice on either pole, such as yes or no, true or false, or agree or disagree.

When are open-ended questions appropriate for use in interviewing?

1. Putting the interviewee at ease 2. Allowing the interviewer to pick up on the interviewee's vocabulary, which reflects his or her education, values, attitudes, and beliefs

List the situations that warrant use of JAD in place of personal organization interviews.

1. User groups are restless and want something new, not a standard solution to a typical problem. 2. The organization culture supports joint problem-solving behaviors among multiple levels of employees 3. Analysts forecast that the number of ideas generated via one-on-one interviews will not be as plentiful as the number of ideas possible form an extended group exercise. 4. Organization workflow permits the absence of key personnel during a two- to four-day block of time

Describe a situation in which JAD would be ideal.

1. User groups are restless and want something new, not a standard solution to a typical problem. 2. The organization culture supports joint problem-solving behaviors among multiple levels of employees. 3. Analysts forecast that the number of ideas generated via one-on-one interviews will not be as plentiful as the number of ideas possible from an extended group exercise. 4. Organization workflow permits the absence of key personnel during a two-to four-day block of time.

When should an interviewer compose a written interview report and why?

As soon as possible after the interview.

Define joint application design (JAD).

an alternative approach for one-on-one interviews to cut the time (and hence the cost) required for personal interviews, to improve the quality of results of information requirements assessment, and to create more user identification with new information systems as a result of the participative process.

Identify the various participants involved in a JAD session.

analysts, users, executives, and those who contribute different backgrounds and skills to the sessions

What is a probing question? What is the purpose of using a probing question in interviews?

is to go beyond the initial answer to get more meaning, to clarify, and to draw out and expand on the interviewee's point.

Discuss the importance of user stories for systems analysts.

it is a good way to deeply understand some of the problems associated with information systems use, systems development, systems adoption, and designing for your intended audience

Define what is meant by pyramid structure. When is it useful to employ this structure in interviews?

the interviewer begins with very detailed, often closed questions. then expands the topics by allowing open-ended questions and more generalized responses. Useful if you believe your interviewee needs to warm up to the topic; when you want an ending determination about the topic.

Define what is meant by funnel structure. When is it useful to employ this structure in interviews?

the interviewer takes a deductive approach by beginning with generalized, open-ended questions and then narrowing the possible responses by using closed questions. Useful for providing an easy, nonthreatening way to begin an interview. A funnel-shaped question sequence is also useful when the interviewee feels emotions about the topic and needs freedom to express those emotions.

Define what is meant by diamond-shaped structure. When is it useful to employ this structure in interviews?

this structure entails beginning in a very specific way, then examining general issues, and finally coming to a very specific conclusion.