Language Interview

1. Choose two people to interview. One person should be 40 while the other is 20.

2. Construct 5-10 interview questions that will help you answer the research question about how communication and language has changed over time. It is best to ask open-ended questions that will solicit an adequate amount of information (more than ‘yes’ or ‘no’ responses).
Questions: How has communication changed in your lifetime?
How do you communicate with friends?
How do you communicate with elders?
Do you prefer to text or talk on the phone?

3. Construct an informed consent form to read to your participant before you interview them. At a minimum, it should include:
A statement of purpose that summarizes what you are investigating. State that this is for a class assignment, and that there are no anticipated risks or benefits to participate in this study.

Explain that participation is voluntary and answers are confidential. Only the student and teacher will see the responses, and names will not be attached to answers. The participant may decline to participate at any time. Verbal consent to participate will suffice.

4. Administer your interviews and write down the respondents’ answers.
Summarize and explain your findings in a written response. Compare the responses of each interviewee. Do their responses support age differences in use of technology or changes in communication over time?

Turn in ONE document that contains the following:

1. Consent form
2. Interview questions
3. Interviewees’ answers
4. Summary of findings