Question 1

When conducting an interview, the interviewer should:

Accepted Answer

The interviewer should remain flexible in order to adapt to the interviewee's needs and to ensure that the interview is conducted in a comfortable and productive manner.

Question 2

When interviewing, it is important to:

Accepted Answer

Using language that the interviewee understands ensures clear communication and helps in obtaining accurate information.

Question 3

Before an interview, you should:

Accepted Answer

Reading the case file thoroughly ensures you are well-prepared and informed about the details, which is crucial for conducting a successful interview.

Question 4

An open-ended question is one that:

Accepted Answer

An open-ended question is designed to encourage a full, meaningful answer using the subject's own knowledge or feelings, often resulting in a more detailed and expansive response.

Question 5

Paralegal Margaret is interviewing witness Dave about a car accident he witnessed.Will seems nervous and uncomfortable.Margaret should:

Accepted Answer

Spending a minute or two chatting casually can help put Dave at ease, making him more comfortable and likely to provide accurate and detailed information during the interview.

Question 6

A question that is phrased in such a way that it elicits a simple "yes" or "no" answer is called:

Accepted Answer

A closed-ended question is a question that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."

Question 7

A leading question is one that:

Accepted Answer

A leading question is designed to suggest the desired answer, often guiding the respondent towards a particular response.

Question 8

Paralegal Julia is interviewing Ryan, an interviewee for a case her supervising attorney is working on.Ryan says that he saw a person hit the defendant in the face.Julia should:

Accepted Answer

Julia should gather as much relevant information as possible, including the distance from which Ryan observed the incident and the assailant's actions before the incident, to provide a comprehensive account for the case.

Question 9

A question that is phrased in such a way that it elicits a relatively unguided and detailed discussion of an experience or an event is called:

Accepted Answer

Open-ended questions are designed to encourage a full, meaningful answer using the subject's own knowledge and/or feelings, allowing for a detailed discussion.

Question 10

During an interview, you should:

Accepted Answer

Setting aside what you have read about the case allows you to approach the interview with an open mind and gather information directly from the interviewee without bias.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of an open-ended question?

Accepted Answer

An open-ended question allows for a free-flowing conversation and requires the respondent to provide detailed information. Option A asks for the specific details of what was seen before entering the intersection, inviting a more elaborate response. The other options only require a simple yes or no answer, making them closed-ended questions.

Question 12

When using a digital recorder to record an interview, which of the following pieces of information should be included at the beginning of the recording?

Accepted Answer

All of these pieces of information should be included at the beginning of the recording to ensure proper identification and organization of the interview. Including the name of the interviewee and interviewer will clarify who is speaking, and providing the date will help with referencing the interview in the future.

Question 13

A closed-ended question is one that:

Accepted Answer

Closed-ended questions are designed to elicit a simple "yes" or "no" answer or a specific piece of information, limiting the scope of the response.

Question 14

Open-ended questions are typically used with:

Accepted Answer

Open-ended questions are typically used with friendly interviewees to encourage them to share more information and elaborate on their responses.

Question 15

A hypothetical question is one that:

Accepted Answer

A hypothetical question asks the interviewee to assume certain facts or scenarios in order to form an answer, often used to explore potential outcomes or reasoning.

Question 16

Paralegal Megan is interviewing witness Will about a car accident he witnessed. Will seems nervous and uncomfortable.Megan should:

Accepted Answer

Offering Will a cup of coffee can help to make him feel more comfortable and relaxed, which may lead to a more productive interview.

Question 17

As a paralegal you may be responsible for:

Accepted Answer

Paralegals often assist attorneys by handling tasks such as locating witnesses, scheduling interviews, and determining logistics for interviews, making all the choices correct.

Question 18

Which of the following is a disadvantage of recording an interview?

Accepted Answer

Clients or witness may feel uncomfortable and be less willing to disclose information if they know they are being recorded.

Question 19

Which of the following is a type of question that a paralegal might use during an interview?

Accepted Answer

Paralegals might use all these types of questions during interviews. Open-ended questions encourage detailed responses, closed-ended questions are for specific information, and leading questions might be used to confirm details or guide the conversation.

Question 20

When using a digital recorder to record an interview, which of the following pieces of information should not be included at the beginning of the recording?

Accepted Answer

All the listed pieces of information are typically included at the beginning of a recording to provide context and reference for the interview.

Quiz 10: Conducting Interviews and Investigation