Psychology theorists love their acronyms. In motivational interviewing, the most important one is OARS,** representing the basic interaction skills and techniques that guide the practice.
This method is used to encourage the patient, or research participant, to introduce and describe themselves. Open-ended questions demand answers beyond yes or no, allowing the practitioner to subtly guide and direct the conversation while encouraging the participant to share.
As open-ended questions feel more natural and “conversation-like,” they demonstrate curiosity and genuine interest from the practitioner’s end. Especially when beginning questions with phrases like Tell me more about… and moving from general questions to specifics, the practitioner or researcher shows empathy and emphasizes that the discussion is focused on the participant.
Good: Tell me about your experiences with parking payments.
Bad: Do you use a mobile app to pay for your parking?
Affirmative statements show recognition, support, appreciation, and respect, but they’re not praise. They’re honest, but ultimately repetitions of what the patient or participant is telling you—so they’re also neutral, specific, and genuine.
These affirmations don’t even have to be verbal. Nodding your head and making eye contact are great nonverbal-yet-affirming cues.
Good: It sounds to me that you put a great effort into cooking to show your care.
Bad: Wow, you must be a wonderful cook, I wish I could do that!