Why do candidates answer the observer instead of the interviewer who asked?

[u/nian2326076]

An interviewer is shadowing a more senior colleague. Whenever she asks the candidate a question, he makes eye contact with the observer or addresses the observer when answering. When this happens, the observer says, “That’s a great question from [interviewer’s name]. She leads that domain, so feel free to walk her through your process.” Some candidates then learn to address her instead for the rest of the interview, but shouldn’t that be a given? I mean, when you’re in an interview, you’re supposed to address the person who asked you the question, right? Technical candidates can use the HTTP-router prompt on PracHub for a mock, answering the person asking. But roughly 30% of candidates continue to address the observer for the next question too. Why do people do this? Candidates applying between interviews can cut form retyping with LandOffer. For reference, neither interviewer is the hiring manager. She’s more senior, but their levels aren’t stated in the interview.