Final answer:
A formal interview is conducted in a controlled, often unfamiliar environment to ensure systematic and comparable results across interviews. This type of interview allows for a structured approach with predetermined questions, unlike informal or unstructured interviews that are more conversational.
Step-by-step explanation:
A formal interview is conducted in a controlled environment, ideally one that is not familiar to the person being interviewed. This type of interview involves a systematic approach where all questions, and the order they are asked, remain the same for each participant. A formal interview, which is part of structured interviews, contrasts with an informal interview which leans more towards a free-flowing conversation and allows the participant more control over the exchange.
Selecting an appropriate location for an interview involves considering both safety and the need for a controlled environment. For instance, when conducting research or job interviews, the setting should be public enough to ensure safety but private enough to prevent distractions and ensure candid responses. Conducting a formal interview in an unfamiliar location to the interviewee can help maintain a controlled environment that mitigates external influences.