ABSTRACT
This chapter examines interview quality and discusses methods to enhance the quality and quantity of interview information. Each interviewee has specific concerns and information to provide. The information sought in an error investigation varies according to the role of the interviewee, whether eyewitness, operator, or someone familiar with critical system elements. Interviewer-interviewee rapport will considerably influence the quality of the interview. People are subject to memory errors, but interviewers can exercise some control over potential influences on these errors and increase the amount and value of the information interviewees provide. Company management should assist in finding and scheduling interviews with company personnel. Interviewers must attend to many logistical and administrative details to ensure a successful interview. The interview should be concluded when all issues pertinent to information sought from the interviewee have been addressed, and when it is clear that the interviewee has no additional information to offer.
