Abstract
<jats:p>This is the first and so far the only book in Russian sociological literature that presents a comprehensive analysis of the interviewer effect in a personal interview. It examines the historical, sociological, theoretical and methodological aspects of this problem. Based on experimental research, a quantitative assessment of the magnitude of the biases associated with the interviewer's personality is given. Special attention is paid to the study of the mediating role of objective and subjective characteristics of interviewees (their socio-demographic and psychological characteristics, interviewing style, preliminary expectations) and their influence on the interview results. The main forms and manifestations of the interviewer effect are analyzed, as well as the sources and mechanisms of its occurrence. The results of empirical verification of a number of explanatory theories are discussed. Practical recommendations are given on minimizing the shifts that occur during face-to-face communication. For researchers, practicing sociologists, teachers, graduate students, as well as for students of sociological faculties and specialties.</jats:p>