What does ethical interviewing involve?

Ethical interviewing is centered around principles of respect and transparency towards the subject being interviewed. It emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where the subject feels safe and valued, thus facilitating open and honest communication. By conducting interviews with respect, the interviewer acknowledges the subject's rights, their dignity, and the need for their informed consent. Transparency in the process also helps build trust, which can lead to more accurate and reliable information being shared.

An approach that involves coercion or disregard for the subject's rights runs contrary to the principles of ethical interviewing, as it may lead to unreliable testimony and harm to the interviewee. Additionally, avoiding interactions with the subject entirely does not align with the goal of gathering needed information and understanding the subject's perspective. These practices would fail to uphold the ethical standards that guide effective investigative techniques.