L’intervista mediata: evoluzioni dell’intervista cognitivo-critica piagetiana

The interview is one of the most common instruments used for adults’ learning and educational research. The article explains some strategies of interview, which are effectively «mediated» by practical situations, graphic or metaphorical illustrations, with a specific focus on adults. The first part of the contribution explores the cognitive-critical interview proposed by Jean Piaget and adopted with children. Starting from this first model, the article describes three techniques: the «Photolangage» by Babin, Baptiste and Bélisle and the two versions of the operative epistemic interview by Fabbri and Munari supported by graphic and symbolic representations. Methodological preliminary remarks and the required skills of the researcher/trainer, as well as goals and possible critical aspects are explained for each technique. Furthermore, some examples of images or materials used or elaborated within research or training projects are provided. Finally, common features about the techniques are suggested and discussed, with a specific focus on the researcher/trainer and interviewee roles.