What is the main purpose of rapport-building in an interview?

• A. To collect as much information as possible regardless of comfort.
• B. To reduce anxiety, promote trust, increase cooperation, and improve the quality and accuracy of information.
• C. To ensure the suspect confesses.
• D. To slow down the interview.

Answer: (B)

Building rapport is about creating a comfortable, trusting situation so the interviewee feels safe to share information. When anxiety is reduced and trust is present, people are more willing to cooperate and disclose details more fully and accurately, which improves the overall quality and usefulness of what’s shared. This approach aims for reliable information, not coercion or pressure to confess, and it isn’t about slowing the interview for its own sake but about fostering openness so the interviewer can gather clearer, more complete insights.