What approach should inspectors take to avoid bias during interviews?

• A. Rely on memory and informal chat to expedite interviews.
• B. Use leading questions to elicit compliance.
• C. Accept statements at face value without verification.
• D. Use structured questions, rely on verifiable evidence, document responses, and remain neutral.

Answer: (D)

To avoid bias in interviews, inspectors should use a structured, evidence-based, and neutral approach. The best practice is to use structured questions, rely on verifiable evidence, document responses, and remain neutral. Structured questions provide a consistent framework so every interview covers the same topics in the same order, reducing the influence of personal expectations or impressions. Relying on verifiable evidence means you don’t accept statements at face value; you confirm information with records, documents, or independent witnesses, which helps prevent bias from memory or the desire to please the interviewer. Documenting responses creates an auditable trail that can be reviewed later, supporting objectivity and accountability. Remaining neutral means avoiding leading language, reactions, or judgments that could steer answers or influence how a respondent responds.

Relying on memory and informal chat can lead to gaps and interpretation errors; leading questions push respondents toward a particular answer and contaminate the data; and accepting statements without verification leaves you with unverified, potentially biased information.