This research examines the issue of interview bias. Both the effects of interview bias and possible solutions to the problem are addressed in the discussions included in this examination. The issue of interview bias is examined at both a general level and more specifically within the context of criminal justice.
Individual interviews are used to obtain information because the process is effective for that purpose. The use of the individual interview process, however, is characterized by both advantages and disadvantages, as follows (Isaac & Michael, 1991):
a. Individual interviews may be personalized.
b. Individual interviews permit in-depth, free responses.
c. The individual interview format is both flexible and adaptable.
d. The individual interview format allows interviewer to record respondent gestures, voice tone, environment, and so forth.
a. Individual interviews are both expensive and time-consuming to conduct.
b. Interviewees may be hostile to the interviewer for reasons of interviewer background·racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic, if that background differs from that of the interviewee.
c. The individual interview format is susceptible to manipulation by the interviewer.
d. The individual interview format is vulnerable to interviewer biases.
e. The individual interview format is susceptible to personality conflicts between interviewer and interviewee.
f. The conduct of an effective individual interview is dependent upon skillful, trained interviewers.
As indicated above, the conduct of an effective interview is dependent upon several factors. Basic requirements for the conduct of successful individual interviews include the following (Emory, 1993):
1. Interviewees must have access to the needed information.
2. Interviewees must understand their roles in the interview process.
3. Interviewees must be motivated to accept their assigned roles, and to fulfill the requir...