What is an informal interview?

What is an informal interview?

• A. Structured and planned
• B. Casual, normal conversation
• C. Only with suspects
• D. Written only

Answer: (B)

An informal interview is a casual, unstructured conversation used to gather information. It contrasts with formal interviewing by lacking a fixed set of questions or rigid procedures, allowing the conversation to flow naturally and the person to share details in their own words. The goal is to establish rapport and obtain a clear account through normal speech, rather than through a formal, scripted process. It can involve witnesses, colleagues, or others and is typically verbal rather than written. So, describing it as casual, normal conversation fits best. A describes it as structured and planned, which is the opposite. C limits it to suspects, which isn’t accurate, and D says it’s written only, which isn’t true since informal interviews are usually spoken.

An informal interview is a casual, unstructured conversation used to gather information. It contrasts with formal interviewing by lacking a fixed set of questions or rigid procedures, allowing the conversation to flow naturally and the person to share details in their own words. The goal is to establish rapport and obtain a clear account through normal speech, rather than through a formal, scripted process. It can involve witnesses, colleagues, or others and is typically verbal rather than written.

So, describing it as casual, normal conversation fits best. A describes it as structured and planned, which is the opposite. C limits it to suspects, which isn’t accurate, and D says it’s written only, which isn’t true since informal interviews are usually spoken.