Why is it important for an interviewer to remain neutral?

Remaining neutral is crucial for an interviewer because it helps maintain the integrity and objectivity of the interview process. When an interviewer is neutral, they avoid expressing personal opinions, biases, or emotions that could influence the interviewee’s responses. This objectivity is essential for ensuring that the collected information reflects the true thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the interviewee rather than being shaped by the interviewer’s expectations or attitudes.

A neutral stance also enhances the credibility of the interview, as it allows the interviewer to gather accurate and unbiased data. This is especially important in contexts such as forensic interviewing, where the information collected may have significant implications for investigations or legal proceedings. By focusing solely on the interviewee's narrative without inserting personal judgments or leading questions, the interviewer can create a more trustworthy environment that encourages honest dialogue and disclosure.

The other options, while they may have some validity in different contexts, do not capture the primary reason for neutrality in this specific scenario. For instance, while making an interviewee comfortable and building rapport are also important, they can sometimes unintentionally lead to a biased perspective if not approached with neutrality. Steering the interviewee towards a desired outcome is contrary to the goal of neutral interviewing, which seeks to uncover the truth as expressed by the interview