Interviews with individuals representative of the intended assessment audience can be conducted to inform the revision of items. Of prime importance in arranging and conducting interviews is establishing an unintimidating presence such that the interviewee feels secure in providing candid responses. Explicitly expressed emphasis on the goal of item improvement, as opposed to knowledge measurement, helps foster an appropriate environment. It is also important to capture information objectively, being attentive to alternative/unintended thought processes and interpretations expressed by interviewees.
Procedures appropriate for conducting interviews are described in cognitive interviews, within the development section for teacher assessments.