What should a researcher avoid to ensure objectivity during interviews?

A researcher should avoid leading questions during interviews to maintain objectivity. Leading questions are designed in such a way that they suggest a specific answer or bias the respondent towards a particular viewpoint. This compromises the integrity of the data collected, as it may influence the interviewee's responses, leading them to answer in a way that aligns with the researcher's expectations rather than their true beliefs or experiences.

By steering clear of leading questions, researchers can promote a more open and honest dialogue, allowing participants to share their perspectives freely. This practice enhances the validity of the research findings, since the insights gathered will be more reflective of the interviewee's actual opinions or experiences.

In contrast, neutral settings, open-ended questions, and audio recording are all practices that can enhance objectivity. A neutral setting helps to minimize biases that could arise from the environment. Open-ended questions allow for more comprehensive responses without restricting the interviewee's thoughts, and audio recording ensures accuracy in capturing the conversation for later analysis.