Background interviews

Definition

Background interviews are informational discussions conducted to gather personal or contextual information about a subject, often to inform the development of a more in-depth interview or investigation. These interviews help to establish context, clarify facts, and reveal additional avenues of inquiry, ensuring that the interviewer is well-prepared and informed about the subject matter before proceeding with further questioning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Background interviews are often conducted with individuals who have knowledge or insight about the main subject, such as friends, family, colleagues, or experts.
2. The goal of a background interview is not to extract detailed narratives but to gather key facts and perspectives that provide context for the main interview.
3. Effective background interviews can uncover hidden connections and lead to more targeted questions in subsequent interviews.
4. Interviewers should approach background interviews with open-ended questions to encourage dialogue and obtain richer information.
5. These interviews are crucial in investigative settings where establishing credibility and reliability of information is essential before pursuing further inquiries.

Review Questions

• How do background interviews enhance the effectiveness of subsequent investigative interviews?
  • Background interviews provide essential context and information that help shape the direction of more in-depth investigative interviews. By gathering insights from individuals who know the subject or situation well, interviewers can formulate relevant questions that address specific areas of interest or concern. This preparation leads to more meaningful conversations and allows for a deeper exploration of the subject's experiences or actions.
• Discuss the importance of conducting background interviews in establishing the credibility of information obtained in investigative work.
  • Conducting background interviews is vital for establishing the credibility of information because they allow interviewers to verify facts and gather multiple perspectives. By consulting various individuals who have knowledge about the subject, interviewers can cross-reference details and identify inconsistencies or confirmations in accounts. This due diligence not only strengthens the accuracy of findings but also builds trust with audiences who rely on thorough investigative practices.
• Evaluate how the techniques used in background interviews differ from those employed during primary investigative interviews, and how this impacts data collection.
  • Techniques used in background interviews typically focus on open-ended questioning and gathering contextual information, whereas primary investigative interviews often involve more direct questioning aimed at eliciting detailed narratives or confessions. This difference in approach impacts data collection by prioritizing breadth of information in background interviews, which sets the stage for depth in primary interviews. Understanding this distinction allows interviewers to tailor their strategies effectively, ensuring they gather comprehensive data across different stages of the investigative process.

Related terms

Pre-interview research: The process of gathering information and context about a subject or topic before conducting an interview, which helps shape the questions and direction of the conversation.

Primary source: An original document or firsthand account that provides direct evidence about a subject, often used in conjunction with background interviews to verify information.

Contextual probing: A technique used during interviews to delve deeper into specific aspects of a subject's background or experiences, enhancing understanding and insight.