APA Dictionary of Psychology

n. a directed conversation in which a researcher, therapist, clinician, employer, or the like (the interviewer) intends to elicit specific information from an individual (the interviewee) for purposes of research, diagnosis, treatment, or employment. Conducted face to face, by telephone, or online, interviews may be either standardized, including set questions, or open ended, varying with material introduced in responses by the interviewee. Their reliability is of particular concern, and interviewers must be careful to minimize or eliminate personal judgment and biases in evaluating responses. See structured interview; unstructured interview. See also clinical interview; employment interview.