ACFE Interview and Interrogation Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of question is most effective for gathering detailed narrative information from a cooperative witness?
- Leading questions
- Open-ended questions (Correct answer)
- Closed-ended questions
- Compound questions
Correct answer: Open-ended questions
Open-ended questions invite the interviewee to provide full narrative responses rather than simple yes/no answers.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of the 'cognitive interview' technique used in fraud investigations?
- To induce a confession through psychological pressure
- To enhance memory retrieval by reinstating the original context (Correct answer)
- To detect deception through behavioral analysis
- To establish rapport before confrontation
Correct answer: To enhance memory retrieval by reinstating the original context
The cognitive interview uses mental reinstatement of context and other memory-enhancement strategies to help witnesses recall more accurate details.
Question 3: During a fraud interview, a subject crosses their arms, avoids eye contact, and turns slightly away. These behaviors are best described as:
- Clear indicators of deception
- Possible signs of discomfort that require additional context (Correct answer)
- Signs the subject is about to confess
- Indicators of cooperation
Correct answer: Possible signs of discomfort that require additional context
Nonverbal behaviors must be interpreted in clusters and context, as no single behavior reliably indicates deception.
Question 4: Which Miranda warning element is most critical to establish before conducting a custodial interrogation?
- The right to a speedy trial
- The right to remain silent (Correct answer)
- The right to confront witnesses
- The right to a jury trial
Correct answer: The right to remain silent
Miranda warnings must inform suspects of their right to remain silent before custodial interrogations, or statements may be suppressed.
Question 5: What is 'statement analysis' in the context of fraud interviews?
- Analyzing financial statements for irregularities
- Examining the linguistic content of written or verbal statements for indicators of deception (Correct answer)
- Comparing witness statements to documentary evidence
- Recording and transcribing interview statements verbatim
Correct answer: Examining the linguistic content of written or verbal statements for indicators of deception
Statement analysis examines word choice, structure, and content of statements to identify linguistic indicators that may signal deception.
Question 6: An interviewer should use the 'funnel approach' to structure questions by:
- Starting with specific accusatory questions and broadening to general topics
- Beginning with broad open-ended questions and narrowing to specific details (Correct answer)
- Asking only closed-ended questions throughout the interview
- Alternating between friendly and confrontational questions
Correct answer: Beginning with broad open-ended questions and narrowing to specific details
The funnel approach starts with broad questions to gather narrative information, then narrows to specific details to probe inconsistencies.
Question 7: Which behavior is a potential verbal indicator of deception according to fraud examination principles?
- Providing excessive unsolicited detail and qualifications (Correct answer)
- Giving direct, concise answers to all questions
- Maintaining consistent eye contact throughout
- Asking clarifying questions before answering
Correct answer: Providing excessive unsolicited detail and qualifications
Deceptive individuals may over-explain, add unnecessary qualifications, or provide excessive detail to appear credible.
ACFE Interview and Interrogation Techniques 2
Which type of question is most effective for gathering detailed narrative information from a cooperative witness?