Volume 04 Issue 06-2024
215
American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2141)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
215-220
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This article examines the psychological dimensions of successful interviewing, emphasizing the critical role of
establishing rapport, employing strategic questioning techniques, and navigating potential resistance to elicit genuine
and truthful information. We argue that beyond the mere exchange of questions and answers, effective interviewing
requires understanding the nuanced dynamics of human interaction. The article explores how fostering trust through
active listening, empathy, and mirroring can create an environment conducive to open communication. We then delve
into the power of open-ended questions, strategic framing, and nonverbal cues in eliciting detailed and insightful
responses.
KEYWORDS
The interview, Psychological Techniques, Open-Ended Questions, Body Language and Nonverbal Cues, human
psychology.
INTRODUCTION
The interview, a fundamental tool across fields like
journalism, research, and human resources, transcends
mere question-and-answer sessions. It delves into the
intricate realm of human interaction, where
Research Article
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT OF INTERVIEWING: HOW TO BUILD
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH THE INTERVIEWEE, USE
PSYCHOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES TO OBTAIN SINCERE AND TRUTHFUL
INFORMATION
Submission Date:
June 20, 2024,
Accepted Date:
June 25, 2024,
Published Date:
June 30, 2024
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajsshr/Volume04Issue06-31
Gulayim Nurgaliyeva
Master's student at Karakalpak State University, Uzbekistan
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ajsshr
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 04 Issue 06-2024
216
American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2141)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
215-220
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
communication becomes a bridge to understanding,
and psychology becomes the key to unlocking genuine
information.
This scientific topic explores the psychological
underpinnings of successful interviewing. We delve
into the art of building rapport, establishing trust, and
harnessing psychological techniques to elicit sincere
and truthful responses.
Why is this important?
In a world overflowing with information, the ability to
discern truth from fabrication is paramount. By
understanding the psychological dynamics of an
interview, we equip ourselves with the tools to
navigate complex conversations, elicit accurate
insights, and ultimately, contribute to a more informed
and truthful understanding of the world around us.
This journey delves into the intricacies of:
• Building Rapport: Examining how establishing trust
and empathy fosters open communication and
encourages interviewees to share their genuine
perspectives.
• Psychological Techniques: Exploring techniques like
open-ended questioning, strategic framing, and
nonverbal communication to guide interviewees
towards truthful and insightful responses.
• Managing Resis
tance: Addressing the challenges of
defensiveness and resistance, and strategies for
navigating sensitive topics with tact and sensitivity.
• Ethical Considerations: Highlighting the importance
of informed consent, confidentiality, and objectivity in
ensuring responsible and ethical interviewing
practices.
Through this exploration, we aim to unlock the
potential of the interview as a powerful tool for
uncovering truth, fostering understanding, and
advancing knowledge across diverse fields.
«Meanwhile, each interview is unique, not creating
single acts of communication, and each interlocutor is
an individualist, influencing the original context of the
conversation and requiring its own unique “keys.”
Following S.N. Ilchenko notes that “in the videos, the
keys to discovering the interlocutor (recipient), and,
consequently, to obtaining from him the necessary
information in journalistic activity, of course, are
professionally posed questions - the most valuable of
any type of interview.» [1; 32]
Without communication, neither society as a whole,
nor a group of people, nor an individual can exist and
fully develop. Ability to communicate with each other -
one of the most important acquisitions of man in the
process of evolution. Scientists state the fact that
communication is a complex, multifaceted process of
establishing and developing contacts between people,
Volume 04 Issue 06-2024
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American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
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VOLUME
04
ISSUE
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P
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OCLC
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1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
generated by the needs of joint activities and including
the exchange of information, the development of a
unified strategy for interaction, perception and
understanding of another person. [2; 213]
Interviewing is an art form, requiring not only
strong questioning skills but also an understanding of
human psychology to elicit genuine and accurate
information. Here's a breakdown of key psychological
aspects:
1. Establishing Rapport and Trust:
• Active Listening: Demonstrate genuine interest by
paying close attention to both verbal and nonverbal
cues. Summarize and reflect back key points to show
understanding.
• Empathy: Try to see the interviewee's pe
rspective,
understand their feelings, and acknowledge their
experiences. This builds trust and encourages
openness.
• Respectful Tone: Maintain a professional and
courteous demeanor, even when dealing with difficult
topics. Avoid interrupting or dismissing their opinions.
• Non
-Judgmental Language: Use neutral language
and avoid leading questions that imply judgment or a
desired answer.
• Comfortable Environment: Create a calm, private
space where the interviewee feels safe and
comfortable sharing information.
2. Psychological Techniques for Eliciting Truth:
• Open
-Ended Questions: These invite detailed
responses and allow the interviewee to express
themselves freely.
• Framing Questions Strategically: Instead of asking
directly "Did you do this?", try "Tell me about your
actions on that day." This encourages elaboration and
may reveal details without prompting specific answers.
• "Tell Me More" Technique: When an interviewee
provides an answer, use phrases like "Tell me more
about that" or "Can you elaborate?" to encourage
them to expand and provide further details.
• Body Language and Nonverbal Cues: Pay attention to
div language like posture, eye contact, and facial
expressions. These can offer insights into the
interviewee's emotions and honesty.
• Silen
ce: Don't be afraid to use silence. It can
encourage reflection and provide an opportunity for
the interviewee to offer more information.
3. Managing Resistance and Defensiveness:
• Acknowledge Their Perspective: Even if you disagree,
acknowledge their viewpoint and validate their
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American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
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VOLUME
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ISSUE
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OCLC
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1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
feelings. This can help diffuse tension and make them
more receptive.
• Stay Calm and Neutral: Avoid reacting emotionally to
challenging answers. Maintain composure and
continue the interview in a professional manner.
• Redirect t
he Conversation: If the interviewee
becomes defensive, gently redirect the conversation
back to the main topic.
• Use Humor (Cautiously): A lighthearted approach
can sometimes ease tension, but be careful not to
trivialize serious issues.
4. Ethical Considerations:
• Informed Consent: Clearly explain the purpose of the
interview and obtain consent before proceeding.
• Confidentiality: Respect the interviewee's privacy
and confidentiality. Avoid disclosing sensitive
information without their permission.
• Objectivity and Accuracy: Strive for objectivity and
accuracy in your reporting. Don't intentionally
misrepresent
information
or
manipulate
the
interviewee's responses.
5. Continual Learning:
• Reflect on Your Performance: After each interview,
analyze your communication techniques and identify
areas for improvement.
• Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from colleagues
or
mentors on your interviewing skills.
• Stay Informed: Keep up
-to-date on research and
techniques related to interviewing and human
psychology.
The art of interviewing is a delicate dance, one where
the interviewer must master not only the art of
questioning but also the nuanced language of human
psychology. The goal? To elicit truthful and insightful
information, not by force, but by fostering an
environment where the interviewee feels comfortable
sharing their genuine thoughts and experiences.
V.V. Voroshilov defines the interview genre as the
answers of a specific person to the journalist’s
questions of public interest; as a conversation not
limited to laconic questions, but commenting on the
interlocutor’s answers [5; 176]
Here's a deeper exploration into the psychological
aspects of conducting a successful interview:
1. Building Rapport: Laying the Foundation of Trust
• Active Listening: It's more than just hearing words;
it's about engaging with the interviewee's message.
Show you're listening by making eye contact, nodding,
and using verbal cues like "I see" or "That's
interesting."
Volume 04 Issue 06-2024
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American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2141)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
215-220
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
• Empathy: Put yourself in the interviewee's shoes. Try
to understand their perspective, acknowledge their
emotions, even if you don't share them. This fosters a
sense of connection and encourages openness.
• Mirroring: Subtly mirroring the interviewee's div
language and tone can build a subconscious
connection and enhance rapport. This doesn't mean
mimicking them exactly, but rather reflecting their
energy and pace.
2. Eliciting Truth: The Art of Asking the Right Questions
• Open
-Ended Questions: Avoid questions with simple
yes/no answers. Start with phrases like "Tell me
about..." or "Can you describe..." to encourage
detailed responses.
• Strategic Framing: Instead of
directly asking "Did you
do X?", try "Can you tell me what happened that day?"
This allows the interviewee to explain their actions
without feeling pressured.
• The "Tell Me More" Technique: After an answer,
show genuine interest by asking "Can you elaborate on
that?" or "Tell me more about..." This encourages
further detail and deeper insights.
3. Uncovering Hidden Information: Reading Between
the Lines
• Nonverbal Cues: Pay attention to div language. A
shifting gaze, fidgeting, or changes in tone can signal
discomfort, hesitation, or potential deception.
• Silence: Don't be afraid to use silence. It creates
space for reflection, allowing the interviewee to
process their thoughts and potentially lead to further
disclosures.
• Calibration: Observe the inte
rviewee's baseline
behavior
–
their usual posture, eye contact, and
demeanor. Changes from this baseline might indicate
emotional responses or shifts in honesty.
4. Managing Resistance: Navigating the Difficult
Terrain
• Acknowledge Their Perspective: Even
if you disagree,
validate their feelings and recognize their point of
view. This creates respect and can help diffuse
defensiveness.
• Stay Calm and Neutral: Avoid getting emotionally
invested in the interviewee's responses. Maintain a
professional demeanor and continue the conversation
in a composed manner.
• Redirect the Conversation: If the interviewee
becomes defensive, gently guide the conversation
back to the main topic.
5. Ethical Considerations: The Cornerstones of Integrity
Volume 04 Issue 06-2024
220
American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2141)
VOLUME
04
ISSUE
06
P
AGES
:
215-220
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
• Informed Consent: Clearly explain the purpose of the
interview, potential risks or benefits, and the
interviewee's right to decline participation.
• Confidentiality: Respect the interviewee's privacy
and protect sensitive information. Don't disclose their
responses without their permission.
• Objectivity and Accuracy: Strive to a
ccurately
represent the interviewee's words and avoid
manipulating or twisting their responses to fit a desired
narrative.
Interviewing, when done with a keen understanding of
human psychology and ethical guidelines, becomes a
powerful tool for uncovering truth, fostering
understanding, and building a more informed and
insightful view of the world.
Remember: Interviewing is a complex process that
requires patience, empathy, and a deep understanding
of human psychology. By mastering these techniques
and approaching each interview with a mindful and
ethical
approach,
you
can
build
effective
communication, foster trust, and obtain truthful and
meaningful information.
REFERENCES
1.
Ilchenko S. N. Interview in journalistic creativity: a
textbook. St. Petersburg, 2003 page 93
2.
A.V. Petrovsky, M. G. Yaroshevsky. Brief
psychological dictionary / ed - M., 1985. - P. 213.
3.
Voroshilov V.V. Journalism: textbook. - M.:
KNORUS, 2010.
