In the context of interviews, probes are follow-up techniques or strategies used by the interviewer to encourage the respondent to elaborate, clarify, or provide deeper insight, especially when the initial response is vague, incomplete, or evasive.
Probes are essential in qualitative research and in-depth interviews, where the goal is to uncover detailed and nuanced information. They can take various forms, such as:
- Rephrased or alternative versions of the original question
- Requests for examples or clarification (“Can you explain what you mean by that?”)
- Gentle nudges to keep the person talking (“Tell me more about that”)
- Silence, giving the respondent space to expand
Effective probing helps the interviewer gather richer, more meaningful data while still maintaining the flow and comfort of the conversation.