Write a central idea or question in the center of a blank sheet of paper; you could also draw a meaningful symbol. This central term or image should relate to the research project.
Brainstorm other terms that relate to this central concept, and write them around it on the page.
Draw connections among the various terms you have written as you see them, based on how the ideas relate to each other.
Continue jotting down terms and drawing connections among them, without pausing to edit yourself, until you have exhausted your ideas about this central topic. Use additional sheets of paper if necessary.
Reread your "mind map," the brainstormed diagram of concepts and their connections; on a separate sheet of paper, list the connections that reoccur or that seem most prominent.
Create a new "mind map," using the listed term(s) as the new central concept(s).
Arrange a pre-interview with the research participant(s), individually. Explain this informal pre-interview is intended to help you both explore and isolate your preconceptions about the subject of the research.
Ask each participant broad questions about the context of the research subject, and encourage him or her to ask you questions.
Answer the participants' questions thoroughly and frankly; conceive of this interview as a conversation, rather than a one-sided information-gathering exercise.
Write up your reflections after each of these pre-interviews.