Which practice is most likely to improve the reliability of interview information?

• A. Relying on memory alone
• B. Active listening during the interview
• C. Interrupting the interviewee frequently
• D. Skipping notes

Answer: (B)

Active listening during an interview is the practice that most reliably yields accurate information. When you listen attentively, you focus on understanding exactly what the interviewee is saying, which helps you capture precise details and detect any ambiguities. Using techniques like paraphrasing or summarizing what you heard and asking clarifying questions confirms accuracy and invites corrections, reducing misinterpretation. This approach also builds rapport, making the interviewee more comfortable sharing information and more likely to provide complete and honest responses. In contrast, relying on memory alone is prone to forgetting or distortion, interrupting disrupts the flow and can cause you to miss important points, and skipping notes eliminates a verifiable record you can review later.