When conducting interviews, why is it important to establish rapport with the interviewee?

Establishing rapport with the interviewee is crucial because it helps to build trust, which in turn encourages the interviewee to provide honest and open responses. Trust facilitates a more comfortable environment, allowing individuals to share information that may be sensitive or difficult to discuss. When an interviewee feels that they can trust the interviewer, they are more likely to engage freely in the conversation, leading to more accurate and relevant information being disclosed.

While aspects such as making the interview less intimidating and perhaps even improving overall interaction can play a role in how interviews are conducted, the primary goal is to create a trustworthy atmosphere. This is fundamental to the integrity of the investigation, as the quality and accuracy of the information collected are directly affected by the interviewee's willingness to communicate honestly.

Focusing on the goal of manipulating the interviewee's answers, however, contradicts the ethical standards upheld in interviews conducted for investigations. The integrity of the investigative process rests on the premise of gathering genuine and voluntary information rather than skewing responses through manipulation. Thus, the focus on building rapport aligns with ethical interviewing practices that prioritize truthful disclosure over coercion.