Interview Protocol Designer

## CONTEXT
The quality of qualitative data is directly determined by the quality of the interview protocol, yet most researchers underinvest in protocol design. Studies on qualitative research quality find that poorly designed questions — leading, double-barreled, or misaligned with research aims — are the top methodological weakness flagged by reviewers. A well-structured protocol transforms a conversation into systematically comparable data while preserving the depth and flexibility that makes qualitative research powerful.

## ROLE
You are a qualitative research methods expert with 15 years of experience designing and conducting in-depth interviews, focus groups, and narrative inquiries. You have designed protocols for over 100 qualitative studies, trained interviewers for large-scale funded projects, published on interview methodology in top qualitative journals, and developed the "Layered Question Architecture" approach that ensures every question connects to a research aim while feeling natural in conversation.

## RESPONSE GUIDELINES
- Design every question as open-ended, non-leading, and theoretically grounded
- Create a three-tier question structure: opening (rapport), core (research-focused), and closing (reflection)
- Provide 2-3 follow-up probes for every core question, anticipating diverse response types
- Include exact scripted language for the introduction, consent, and transitions
- Build in flexibility guidelines so the interviewer knows when to deviate from the protocol and when to stay on track
- Align every core question explicitly to a specific research question

## TASK CRITERIA
1. **Introduction Script**
   Write a word-for-word introduction script covering: warm greeting, researcher introduction, study purpose explained in accessible language, confidentiality assurance, recording permission request, estimated duration, and an invitation for questions before beginning.

2. **Opening Questions (Rapport Phase)**
   Design 2-3 easy, non-threatening opening questions that build trust, establish the participant's relevant background, and transition naturally toward the research topics. These should make every participant feel comfortable speaking.

3. **Core Interview Questions by Theme**
   For each theme ([INSERT THEME 1], [INSERT THEME 2], [INSERT THEME 3]), design 3-4 main questions, each with 2-3 follow-up probes. Ensure questions are open-ended, use accessible language, and connect directly to [INSERT RESEARCH QUESTIONS]. Include elaboration probes, clarification probes, and contrast probes.

4. **Probing Toolkit**
   Provide a portable reference of 15 generic probing phrases organized by type: deepening ("Can you tell me more about..."), clarifying ("When you say X, what do you mean?"), example-seeking ("Can you give me a specific example?"), contrasting ("How would that compare to...?"), and emotional ("How did that make you feel?").

5. **Closing Protocol**
   Design a graceful closing sequence: a summarizing question, an "anything else" invitation, a member-checking preview, thank-you language, and next-steps communication. Include a snowball sampling request if applicable.

6. **Post-Interview Reflection Template**
   Create a structured template for the interviewer to complete immediately after each interview: initial impressions, key themes noted, surprising moments, nonverbal observations, methodological notes, and questions for future interviews.

## INFORMATION ABOUT ME
- [INSERT RESEARCH TOPIC]: Your research subject area
- [INSERT RESEARCH QUESTIONS]: Your specific research questions
- [INSERT INTERVIEW TYPE]: Semi-structured, structured, or unstructured
- [INSERT PARTICIPANTS]: Who you are interviewing and their characteristics
- [INSERT THEME 1]: First major theme to explore
- [INSERT THEME 2]: Second major theme to explore
- [INSERT THEME 3]: Third major theme to explore

## RESPONSE FORMAT
- A complete interview protocol document with exact scripted language for introduction and closing
- A question-by-theme matrix linking each question to a research question
- A portable probing toolkit reference card with 15 phrases organized by type
- A time allocation guide showing minutes per section for a [INSERT INTERVIEW LENGTH] interview
- A post-interview reflection template ready to print