Interviewing family: what questions to ask on a recurring basis?

October 9, 2015 11:45 AM

I have a family interview project in mind. I've read some great ideas in AskMe, and have read through StoryCorps and Smithsonian resources. For the most part, what I've read pertains to one-time oral history projects. My project is a little different: I'd like to conduct short 1-on-1 interviews with immediate family (about 10 people), and repeat these interviews every few years. I'd love some question suggestions.

At present, interviewees range in age from 5 to 68. Here's what I'm hoping to end up with:

• 3-4 questions that I can ask everyone, no matter their age; and ask again when I conduct another round of interviews in a few years. I like the idea of looking back over time (a la the Up series) and hearing a range of responses from family members. These questions would be timeless, ageless, and the answers may change over time. (Examples: What's making you happy right now? or Have you changed your mind recently about something significant?)
• 1-2 questions that I can ask everyone this time around, to be replaced with different questions next time. These "one-time" questions should work across different age groups but the answers may be a little more fixed. (Example: What's one of your very first memories?)
• Several questions that are more specific to the interviewee. These can be age-specific questions, or related to a particular stage of someone's life. (Examples: How is retirement conforming to your expectations? How is it different? or What do you think kindergarten will be like? or What surprised you about parenthood?)

posted by duffell to Grab Bag (6 answers total)

Best answer: -what things are you most worried about right now?
-what is your favorite dish to cook/eat at the moment?
-where do you see yourself in [five] years?
-if you could tell your younger self something, what would it be?
-what do you see as the top political/cultural issue right now?
-do you have any regrets?
-what are you listening to on the radio/spotify/etc?
-what is one thing that surprised you this year?
-what do you want for [christmas]?
-who are your best friends?
-describe yourself in [30] seconds
posted by melissasaurus at 11:54 AM on October 9, 2015

I was going to suggest the breakfast question above too. But breakfasts might not be as interesting as lunch or dinner - why not, what did you have for dinner last night?
posted by Toddles at 5:39 PM on October 9, 2015

Best answer: What are you passionate about?
What were you passionate about that was a big mistake?
Guilty pleasure?
What would be the one thing you'd change about your significant other?
Fondest memory of your oldest/youngest family member.
What would you tell your parents (if you could) right now?
Over your life, what do you think has been the most revolutionary technology?
What family activity makes you happiest?
What does home mean to you?
What family event made you cry the most.
posted by filmgeek at 6:47 PM on October 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

What is the best thing that happened today? What is the worst thing that happened today? Those will give a snapshot of what's going on right now in the interviewee's life.

Also, what is the best thing that has happened since the last time you were interviewed? What is the worst thing that has happened since the last time you were interviewed? For growth over time.
posted by decathecting at 8:21 PM on October 9, 2015

Best answer: another source of inspiration: http://www.doyou10q.com/ offers a list of questions inviting reflection on the past year and looking forward to the coming year. The questions are generally the same every year. You can see the questions if you go "past answers" and click on each of the 10 questions that were answered that year.
posted by metahawk at 9:06 PM on October 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Some really great responses here--and a ton of useful stuff on the site recommended by metahawk! Thanks, everyone!
posted by duffell at 5:38 AM on October 13, 2015