Pitfalls in Research: The Interview as an Illustrative Model

Abstract

The interview is used as a model to illustrate how many common sources of bias, or pitfalls, can influence behavioral research. The interview is shown to be susceptible to at least eight of the major “pitfalls in research” outlined by Barber (1973). In addition, the interview is shown to be susceptible to a separate series of pitfalls which are of particular relevance to interview situations. Researchers are cautioned to be on the lookout not only for the sources of bias outlined in this paper but also for sources of bias that may be unique to their own particular area of research.