Objectivity

Definition

Objectivity refers to the practice of being impartial, unbiased, and presenting facts without personal feelings or opinions influencing the information. In interviews, maintaining objectivity is crucial for accurately conveying the subject's perspective and for ensuring the audience receives uncolored information. This practice helps to build trust and credibility between the interviewer and interviewee, which is essential for achieving the interview's purpose.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Objectivity is vital in interviews as it allows for a balanced portrayal of the subject’s views without interference from the interviewer’s personal opinions.
2. Successful interviewers strive for objectivity by preparing questions that elicit clear responses and avoiding leading questions that might skew the information.
3. Maintaining objectivity helps interviewers build credibility, making their reports or articles more trustworthy in the eyes of their audience.
4. In news gathering, objectivity is critical for fact-checking interviews, ensuring that reported information is accurate and free from bias.
5. An objective approach can enhance the depth and richness of an interview, as it encourages more honest and open dialogue between the interviewer and interviewee.

Review Questions

• How does objectivity influence the effectiveness of an interviewer's questioning techniques?
  • Objectivity influences questioning techniques by encouraging interviewers to ask neutral questions that do not lead or sway the interviewee's responses. This helps in obtaining authentic answers that reflect the interviewee's true thoughts and feelings. By focusing on objective questioning, interviewers can facilitate a conversation that is richer in detail and less affected by personal biases.
• Discuss how maintaining objectivity can impact the relationship between an interviewer and their audience.
  • Maintaining objectivity positively impacts the relationship between an interviewer and their audience by establishing trust and credibility. When audiences perceive that an interviewer presents information fairly and without bias, they are more likely to engage with and believe in the content provided. This connection fosters a more loyal audience base, as viewers appreciate transparency and integrity in reporting.
• Evaluate the consequences of failing to maintain objectivity during fact-checking interviews in journalism.
  • Failing to maintain objectivity during fact-checking interviews can lead to significant consequences, such as spreading misinformation and damaging reputations. If journalists allow personal biases to affect their reporting, it compromises the integrity of the information shared with the public. This can erode trust in media outlets, result in public backlash, and ultimately diminish the role of journalism as a reliable source of information.

Related terms

Bias:

A tendency to favor one side over another, leading to a distorted interpretation of facts or information.

Credibility: The quality of being trusted and believed in, often established through consistent objectivity in reporting or interviewing.

Fact-checking: The process of verifying information to ensure its accuracy and truthfulness before it is presented to the public.