Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Prasctice Exam

An auditee is likely to be most threatened by an auditor's use of which of the following interviewing techniques?

1. Paraphrasing an auditee's response while writing it down

2. Being silent while waiting for an auditee to respond to a question

3. Underlining key facts when recording an auditee's response

4. Using a tape recorder to record an auditee's response

The correct answer is: Using a tape recorder to record an auditee's response

Using a tape recorder to record an auditee's response can be particularly intimidating for an auditee for several reasons. Firstly, the act of recording can create a sense of formality and seriousness that may not exist in a more casual interview setting. The auditee may feel that their words are being scrutinized, leading to anxiety about their responses. This can hinder open and honest communication, as the auditee might overly consider their words and worry about how their statements might be interpreted or used later. Moreover, the permanence of a recording can lead to concerns about accountability and how their statements may be perceived outside the interview context. In situations where the interview might pertain to sensitive information or critiques, this can heighten feelings of vulnerability. Conversely, other techniques such as paraphrasing, silence, or underlining key facts may be seen as more neutral and supportive, encouraging dialogue without fostering the same level of apprehension. Thus, the use of a tape recorder is perceived as the most threatening option for an auditee during an auditing process.