Handbook of Human Performance Technology: Principles, Practices, and Potential, Third Edition

Chapter 33. Interviewing to Analyze and Evaluate Human Performance Technology

Jana L. Pershing

In the field of human performance technology (HPT), the written questionnaire is the most frequently used means of gathering data and, in some instances, is the only method (Swanson, 1983; Witkin and Altschuld, 1995). Despite the centrality of questionnaires, relying exclusively on one method of data collection provides limited information about performance-improvement initiatives in organizations. Furthermore, because written questionnaires sometimes fail to obtain valid and reliable information, a variety of methodologies should be considered (Witkin and Altschuld, 1995). A less frequently used survey method that is a useful information-gathering tool, ...