Medicalization of childbirth: Pregnancy and childbirth are medicalized in many cultures, pregnancy characteristics have become “pregnancy symptoms”, birth is treated like an illness in need of medical attention. Interview a friend or family member about this topic to find out how culture has shaped her/his opinions and expectations regarding birth

II. INTERVIEW STYLE, PREPARATIONS, and INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

Since we are not a methods course, I do not need your interview to follow specific formal guidelines, but ask you to put thought and common sense into your interview questions. Write your questions in advance, so you walk in prepared. You will need a minimum of 7 questions. Use at least 2 terms from the Medical Anthropology topic and print them in BOLD.

Here are some tips for before the interview:

Make all questions relevant to the research question.

Consider the fact that how you ask the question affects the kind of answers you will receive.

Avoid questions that can be answered with Yes/No.

Include probing questions to obtain more detail, providing opportunities for the participant to elaborate (Example: Could you tell me more? Could you give an example?).

Avoid leading questions. Leading questions anticipate what the answer will be, thereby limiting the range of possible responses.

Make sure to use words that the participant can understand – think about who you are developing questions for. If the participant is unfamiliar with terms you are using, you may need to explain them briefly.

During the Interview: Let the participant talk! Remain silent to allow the participant to speak. Actively listen and ask follow up questions.

Important: The quality of your questions is an important element of your assignment, so put some thought into your question choice. Choose questions that might help you understand how culture may have shaped some of your interviewees opinions, expectation, and decisions.