Do not approach the project attempting to find answers to back up your hypothesis.

As I initially began thinking about this subject, I now realize I rushed into the research with a mindset of “Let’s find what is wrong with this town.” This was not useful but it was fueled by my passion for the project. It was a human mistake to dive headfirst into the negative aspects of the topics covered in the interviews.

Multiple interviews may be necessary for some interviewees. I learned that not everything that is said in one interview will be useful compared to others conducted.

I conducted over ten interviews for this project, though only seven are listed. I had to learn to gauge whether an interviewee was providing information that they simply wanted me to hear. I personally knew some of the interviewees and was familiar with some of the events they discussed. I sometimes had to re-direct my questions to prompt the interviewee to provide additional details.

Lastly, don't be afraid of going off of script because that allows you to see real humanity.