246 & 248 Interview Analysis
Classifying Questions and Responses
The purpose of this paper is to identify the type of questions posed by the Omni interviewer, and the nature of the interviewee’s responses. To help support the classification of a particular question, excerpts from the text will be briefly presented. An additional purpose is to identify the suspected level of interaction thru an analysis of the interviewee’s responses. The document concludes by identifying the ratio of primary to secondary questions. To enhance clarity, an outline format and an abbreviated APA style are employed.
Question #1:
“When and how did acupuncture originate?” (p.82). This initial question is designed to set the stage for the proceeding interview by eliciting Dr. Han’s interpretation of the history of acupuncture. The question has two parts, when and how, and may be considered as a primary, neutral question with an open-ended and closed-ended component. The “how” interrogatory appears as relatively closed-ended. Upon examining Dr. Han’s responses, however, it is reasonable to conclude that the entire question was perceived as open-ended; his response consisted of two paragraphs (see p. 82). (Level I Interaction)
Question #2:
“Has science documented the existence of the meridians?” (p.82). An examination of Dr. Han’s previous response suggests the classification of this question. Since Dr. Han did not directly or indirectly refer to “meridians,” this interrogatory should be viewed as another primary question. Other characteristics would include that it is somewhat neutral and closed-ended. Addressing the preceding claims, it is argued here that this is a primary type because meridians had not been previously introduced. Additionally, the question also assumes a level of knowledge that may or may not be present among the reading audience. That is, how many lay individuals would already be familiar with the meaning of this term? In light of these grounds, then, the classification of “primary” would seem warranted. Regarding the issue of neutrality, it is clear from Dr. Han’s responses that he did not perceive a threat to the rigor of his work. In some contexts, this same question could be interpreted as discounting the “scientific” nature of the research. Moving to last characteristic, the question is relatively closed-ended as it seeks a limited response. In this case, Dr. Han perceived it as such and responded in a brief fashion (Level I but leaning toward Level II).
Question #3:
“Traditionally, aren’t there many different kinds of needles?” (p.82). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral question designed to clarify the doctor’s previous remarks. Dr. Han had stated,” . . . when you insert a needle near the end of a meridian” (p.82). (Level I).
Question #4:
“Haven’t the meridians been charted for the dog, cow, and horse?” (p.82). This question is a secondary, neutral type of the probing nature. Dr. Han’s previous response which triggered the question was, “ the classic Chinese acupuncturists use nine different kinds of needles at different body sites for various therapeutic purposes” (p.82). The interviewer was attempting to draw out a more detailed response about the location of similar points in animals (Level I).
Question #5:
“When was the present system completed – with roughly three hundred sixty-five acupoints along fourteen meridians?” (p.83). An examination of Dr. Han’s immediately preceding response reveals that this is a primary question, as well as being neutral and that this is a primary question, as well as being relatively closed-ended in nature. Dr. Han’s subsequent response indicates that he perceive the question in this manner (Level I).
Question #6:
“How do we register pain?” (p.83). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and relatively open-ended question. In Dr. Han’s preceding response he stated, “When you press on the diseased shoulder and hit the most painful point, the patient exclaims, ‘Ah, yes!’ “ (p.83) (Level I but leaning towards Level II).
Question #7:
“How does pain sensation travel from the outer body to the brain?” (p.83). This is secondary, follow-up, neutral, and relatively closed-ended item. After establishing the measurement processes of pain, the interviewer is seeking to clarify the ways in which human physiology acts to communicate pain (Level I).
Question #8:
“Why have surgical attempts to block pain by cutting spinal nerves always been so unsuccessful?” (p. 83). Since Dr. Han indicates immediately prior to this question the integral role of the spinal cord in communicating pain, this item may be viewed as secondary, follow-up, neutral, and relatively open-ended (Level I but leaning towards Level II).
Question #9:
“Where in the brain, specifically, are the impulses from the various pain pathways first labeled as pain?” (p.83). This item may be viewed as secondary, follow-up, neutral, and relatively closed-ended (Level I).
Question #10:
“How did you begin your research?” (p.83). This is a primary, neutral, and relatively open-ended question. The item introduces a new topic and elicits an in-depth response from Dr. Han. His subsequent response indicates that he perceived this question in this fashion (Level II).
Question #11:
“How long does the raised pain threshold stave off the pain?” (p.83). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral and relatively closed-ended question. Dr. Han had just stated, “At first, I thought this apparent increase in pain resistance came from some sort of distraction associated with the manipulation of the needles. But this can’t be because these distractions are sudden and the threshold builds slowly . . .” (p.83). The question sought to clarify the threshold level. Although the question appears as relatively closed-ended, Dr. Han’s lengthy response indicates that he did not perceive it as such (Level I but leaning towards Level II).
Question #12:
“How did you go about hunting for the mysterious substance?” (p.83). In light of Dr. Han’s immediate prior remark – “when you remove the needles the pain threshold drops at such a specific rate because the unknown substance is no longer accumulating” (p.83) – this question is secondary, neutral, and relatively open-ended. An analysis of Dr. Han’s response indicates that it was perceived in this manner. (Level I but leaning towards Level II).
Question # 13:
“Well, please tell us what happened to you during the Cultural Revolution?” (p.84). This is a secondary, follow-up, open-ended, and probing question. It is a secondary type because it follows this remark by Dr. Han.” “ . . . we had a Cultural Revolution. But that’s another story” (p.84) (Level III).
Question #14:
“You resumed your acupuncture studies in 1972. That was three years before enkaphalin was discovered” (p.84). This is a primary question since it introduces a new topic. The item is also neutral and relatively closed-ended. Yet, Dr. Han’s subsequent response indicated that he viewed the item as open-ended (Level II).
Question #15:
The discovery of enkelphalin must have changed your work considerably” (p.84). This is a secondary, neutral, open-ended, and probing item (Level II).
Question #16:
“After enkelphalin many more natural brain opiates with different potencies and sites of action were discovered” (p.84). This is a statement which suggests a question. It could be characterized as a primary type, neutral, and open-ended (Level II).
Question #17:
“Why did you switch from traditional acupuncture to electroacupuncture?” (p.84). This is a primary, neutral, and closed-ended item” (Level I).
Question #18:
“Do you change the frequency of the electric stimulation?” (p.84). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and closed-ended item (Level I).
Question # 19:
“You felt that the traditional method was too subjective? You couldn’t match numbers to its effects?” (p.84). This is a secondary, follow-up, and relatively closed-ended item (Level II and some Level III).
Question #20:
“Did you try switching the frequency back and forth?” (p.85). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and relatively open-ended item (Level II).
Question #21:
“What might cause an animal or person not to respond?” (p.84). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and relatively open-ended item (Level I).
Question #22:
“You think it’s CCK?” (p.84). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and closed-ended item (Level II).
Question #23:
“So you’re saying that the upper brain has a system to suppress some pain?” (p.84). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and relatively open-ended item (Level II).
Question #24:
“Given this ability to modify neuro-chemical release in the limbic system, might acupuncture be used in place of mood-altering drugs?” (p.85). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and probing item (Level II).
Question #25:
“Is electroacupuncture for humans a kind of fine-tuned version of traditional version of traditional shock therapy?” (p.85). This is a primary, leading, and closed-ended item. Dr. Han did not, however, perceive the question in a negative manner (Level II)
Question #26:
“What about acupuncture’s ability to stabilize blood pressure during surgery?” (p.85). This is a primary, neutral, and open-ended item. It introduces a new topic (Level II).
Question #27:
“How do you compare the practice of science in Asia with that of the West?” (p.85). This is a primary, neutral, and open-ended item. It introduces a new topic (Level II).
Question #28:
“But how about differences in attitude and approach?” (p.85). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and probing item (Level II).
Question #29:
“Has your study of acupuncture affirmed any philosophical view?” (p.85). This is a secondary, neutral, and open-ended item. It introduces a new topic (Level III).
Question #30:
“After twenty years of research, what are your thoughts about acupuncture?” (p.85). This is a secondary, neutral, and open-ended item (Level III).
Ratio:
Within the interview, there were 11 primary questions and 19 secondary items. An appropriate
Question #1:
“When and how did acupuncture originate?” (p.82). This initial question is designed to set the stage for the proceeding interview by eliciting Dr. Han’s interpretation of the history of acupuncture. The question has two parts, when and how, and may be considered as a primary, neutral question with an open-ended and closed-ended component. The “how” interrogatory appears as relatively closed-ended. Upon examining Dr. Han’s responses, however, it is reasonable to conclude that the entire question was perceived as open-ended; his response consisted of two paragraphs (see p. 82). (Level I Interaction)
Question #2:
“Has science documented the existence of the meridians?” (p.82). An examination of Dr. Han’s previous response suggests the classification of this question. Since Dr. Han did not directly or indirectly refer to “meridians,” this interrogatory should be viewed as another primary question. Other characteristics would include that it is somewhat neutral and closed-ended. Addressing the preceding claims, it is argued here that this is a primary type because meridians had not been previously introduced. Additionally, the question also assumes a level of knowledge that may or may not be present among the reading audience. That is, how many lay individuals would already be familiar with the meaning of this term? In light of these grounds, then, the classification of “primary” would seem warranted. Regarding the issue of neutrality, it is clear from Dr. Han’s responses that he did not perceive a threat to the rigor of his work. In some contexts, this same question could be interpreted as discounting the “scientific” nature of the research. Moving to last characteristic, the question is relatively closed-ended as it seeks a limited response. In this case, Dr. Han perceived it as such and responded in a brief fashion (Level I but leaning toward Level II).
Question #3:
“Traditionally, aren’t there many different kinds of needles?” (p.82). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral question designed to clarify the doctor’s previous remarks. Dr. Han had stated,” . . . when you insert a needle near the end of a meridian” (p.82). (Level I).
Question #4:
“Haven’t the meridians been charted for the dog, cow, and horse?” (p.82). This question is a secondary, neutral type of the probing nature. Dr. Han’s previous response which triggered the question was, “ the classic Chinese acupuncturists use nine different kinds of needles at different body sites for various therapeutic purposes” (p.82). The interviewer was attempting to draw out a more detailed response about the location of similar points in animals (Level I).
Question #5:
“When was the present system completed – with roughly three hundred sixty-five acupoints along fourteen meridians?” (p.83). An examination of Dr. Han’s immediately preceding response reveals that this is a primary question, as well as being neutral and that this is a primary question, as well as being relatively closed-ended in nature. Dr. Han’s subsequent response indicates that he perceive the question in this manner (Level I).
Question #6:
“How do we register pain?” (p.83). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and relatively open-ended question. In Dr. Han’s preceding response he stated, “When you press on the diseased shoulder and hit the most painful point, the patient exclaims, ‘Ah, yes!’ “ (p.83) (Level I but leaning towards Level II).
Question #7:
“How does pain sensation travel from the outer body to the brain?” (p.83). This is secondary, follow-up, neutral, and relatively closed-ended item. After establishing the measurement processes of pain, the interviewer is seeking to clarify the ways in which human physiology acts to communicate pain (Level I).
Question #8:
“Why have surgical attempts to block pain by cutting spinal nerves always been so unsuccessful?” (p. 83). Since Dr. Han indicates immediately prior to this question the integral role of the spinal cord in communicating pain, this item may be viewed as secondary, follow-up, neutral, and relatively open-ended (Level I but leaning towards Level II).
Question #9:
“Where in the brain, specifically, are the impulses from the various pain pathways first labeled as pain?” (p.83). This item may be viewed as secondary, follow-up, neutral, and relatively closed-ended (Level I).
Question #10:
“How did you begin your research?” (p.83). This is a primary, neutral, and relatively open-ended question. The item introduces a new topic and elicits an in-depth response from Dr. Han. His subsequent response indicates that he perceived this question in this fashion (Level II).
Question #11:
“How long does the raised pain threshold stave off the pain?” (p.83). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral and relatively closed-ended question. Dr. Han had just stated, “At first, I thought this apparent increase in pain resistance came from some sort of distraction associated with the manipulation of the needles. But this can’t be because these distractions are sudden and the threshold builds slowly . . .” (p.83). The question sought to clarify the threshold level. Although the question appears as relatively closed-ended, Dr. Han’s lengthy response indicates that he did not perceive it as such (Level I but leaning towards Level II).
Question #12:
“How did you go about hunting for the mysterious substance?” (p.83). In light of Dr. Han’s immediate prior remark – “when you remove the needles the pain threshold drops at such a specific rate because the unknown substance is no longer accumulating” (p.83) – this question is secondary, neutral, and relatively open-ended. An analysis of Dr. Han’s response indicates that it was perceived in this manner. (Level I but leaning towards Level II).
Question # 13:
“Well, please tell us what happened to you during the Cultural Revolution?” (p.84). This is a secondary, follow-up, open-ended, and probing question. It is a secondary type because it follows this remark by Dr. Han.” “ . . . we had a Cultural Revolution. But that’s another story” (p.84) (Level III).
Question #14:
“You resumed your acupuncture studies in 1972. That was three years before enkaphalin was discovered” (p.84). This is a primary question since it introduces a new topic. The item is also neutral and relatively closed-ended. Yet, Dr. Han’s subsequent response indicated that he viewed the item as open-ended (Level II).
Question #15:
The discovery of enkelphalin must have changed your work considerably” (p.84). This is a secondary, neutral, open-ended, and probing item (Level II).
Question #16:
“After enkelphalin many more natural brain opiates with different potencies and sites of action were discovered” (p.84). This is a statement which suggests a question. It could be characterized as a primary type, neutral, and open-ended (Level II).
Question #17:
“Why did you switch from traditional acupuncture to electroacupuncture?” (p.84). This is a primary, neutral, and closed-ended item” (Level I).
Question #18:
“Do you change the frequency of the electric stimulation?” (p.84). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and closed-ended item (Level I).
Question # 19:
“You felt that the traditional method was too subjective? You couldn’t match numbers to its effects?” (p.84). This is a secondary, follow-up, and relatively closed-ended item (Level II and some Level III).
Question #20:
“Did you try switching the frequency back and forth?” (p.85). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and relatively open-ended item (Level II).
Question #21:
“What might cause an animal or person not to respond?” (p.84). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and relatively open-ended item (Level I).
Question #22:
“You think it’s CCK?” (p.84). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and closed-ended item (Level II).
Question #23:
“So you’re saying that the upper brain has a system to suppress some pain?” (p.84). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and relatively open-ended item (Level II).
Question #24:
“Given this ability to modify neuro-chemical release in the limbic system, might acupuncture be used in place of mood-altering drugs?” (p.85). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and probing item (Level II).
Question #25:
“Is electroacupuncture for humans a kind of fine-tuned version of traditional version of traditional shock therapy?” (p.85). This is a primary, leading, and closed-ended item. Dr. Han did not, however, perceive the question in a negative manner (Level II)
Question #26:
“What about acupuncture’s ability to stabilize blood pressure during surgery?” (p.85). This is a primary, neutral, and open-ended item. It introduces a new topic (Level II).
Question #27:
“How do you compare the practice of science in Asia with that of the West?” (p.85). This is a primary, neutral, and open-ended item. It introduces a new topic (Level II).
Question #28:
“But how about differences in attitude and approach?” (p.85). This is a secondary, follow-up, neutral, and probing item (Level II).
Question #29:
“Has your study of acupuncture affirmed any philosophical view?” (p.85). This is a secondary, neutral, and open-ended item. It introduces a new topic (Level III).
Question #30:
“After twenty years of research, what are your thoughts about acupuncture?” (p.85). This is a secondary, neutral, and open-ended item (Level III).
Ratio:
Within the interview, there were 11 primary questions and 19 secondary items. An appropriate
