Why Rapport Seems Challenging to Define and What to do About the Challenge

Abstract

This article explores why rapport seems challenging to define in the investigative interviewing literature. To demonstrate this issue is contemporary, I examined the most recent publications on rapport (August 2021 - January 2023; N = 19). Approximately 50% of the articles did not define rapport or posited multiple definitions, making a definitional preference impossible to detect. The 50% that specified a focal or single definition came with some form of suggestion that they were real definitions—the objective definitions of rapport. But all those definitions were different, highlighting the ambiguity of rapport in the literature. I discuss how a pragmatic approach via nominal definition can assist in flagging a single sense to use the word rapport, thereby eliminating ambiguity and limitations in assessing construct validity.

Addressing current issues in assessing professional rapport: A systematic review and synthesis of existing measures

“…Although previous attempts within investigative settings have yielded valuable insights into rapport dynamics (e.g., Alison et al, 2013; Duke, Wood, Bollin, et al, 2018, theoretical and methodological limitations remain. Based on the findings of the present systematic review, as well as reviews by Gabbert et al (2021), Neequaye and Mac Giolla (2022), and Neequaye (2023), we propose that the accumulated research on professional rapport skills provides a strong basis for developing a new measure that fulfils all necessary criteria while being grounded in robust theoretical and methodological principles (AERA, APA, & NCME as cited in Linn, 2011). We suggest that the present systematic review provides researchers with valuable information and insights to develop a new, synthesised measure of rapport, drawing upon our current comprehension of rapport‐building strategies and their evaluations.…”

“…The definition of rapport has been discussed at length in two recent discussion articles (Neequaye, 2023; Neequaye & Mac Giolla, 2022). The definition is important because it influences how rapport is understood and measured.…”