What aspect should be separated from facts during an initial interview?

During an initial interview, it is crucial to separate facts from inferences to ensure that the information gathered is accurate and reliable. Facts are objective statements that can be verified, while inferences are interpretations or conclusions drawn from those facts. Mixing inferences with facts can lead to biased or incorrect assumptions about the situation being investigated.

For instance, if an eyewitness states that someone looked suspicious based on their behavior, that is an inference rather than a fact. The behavior may not necessarily reflect any wrongdoing but could be based on personal biases or perceptions. By focusing on facts—who, what, when, where—the investigator can build a clear and objective understanding of the events without the distortion that inferences can introduce.

In contrast, conversational details, previous investigations, and environmental factors can provide context and additional insights but do not impede the clarity of the factual information being sought. Keeping these elements separate allows for a more focused and effective investigation.