Final answer:
True, continuing to take notes throughout an interview is critical for ensuring consistency and thorough documentation of the investigation. Notes help to reconstruct the interview context, confirm important points, and may be complemented by audio recordings if permitted. It's important to review, transcribe, and organize notes promptly after an interview to keep the information accurate and complete.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, an investigator who starts taking notes at the beginning of an interview should continue throughout. It is essential to take context notes which include the subject's physical appearance, expressions, and setting details to aid in reconstructing the interview vividly later on. If permission is granted, audio recording is useful; however, one must still take notes to capture the highlights and follow-up questions. When something important is stated, it is crucial to verify by reading back the notes to the interviewee to enhance accuracy and possibly gain elaboration on the topic. Prompt transcription and review of notes ensure the precision and completeness of the information captured, supplementing them with a memory while still fresh. With technology, interviews can also be conducted using various electronic platforms and should be noted for their convenience and flexibility.
Moreover, conducting field observation alongside note-taking or recording is beneficial to corroborate data gathered from interviews. Selecting appropriate people, setting up safe and comfortable interview environments, and respecting interviewees' privacy and consent for recordings are all critical aspects of ethical interviewing. Throughout this process, one should maintain an organized research log or a digital file for reference and for crediting sources in the final report.