CFI Interview Techniques & Strategies 3

Question 1

In the Cognitive Interview model, what is the 'mental reinstatement of context' technique designed to accomplish?

Accepted Answer

Enhance memory retrieval by mentally returning the subject to the original context

Answer

Mental reinstatement of context leverages environmental and psychological state cues to improve memory recall accuracy.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the 'funnel approach' in forensic interviewing?

Accepted Answer

Starting with broad, open-ended questions and progressively narrowing to specific details

Answer

The funnel approach moves from broad open questions to specific closed questions, maximizing narrative disclosure before introducing details.

Question 3

What is a key risk of using leading questions during a forensic interview with a child witness?

Accepted Answer

Leading questions may contaminate the child's memory and produce false disclosures

Answer

Children are particularly susceptible to suggestion, and leading questions can implant false memories that contaminate forensic evidence.

Question 4

What is the purpose of establishing 'ground rules' at the beginning of a forensic interview?

Accepted Answer

To set behavioral expectations and empower the subject to correct the interviewer or say they don't know

Answer

Ground rules reduce suggestibility and empower witnesses to be accurate by clarifying that it is acceptable to say 'I don't know' or 'I don't understand.'

Question 5

Which scenario best illustrates the 'foot-in-the-door' technique applied in forensic interviewing?

Accepted Answer

Beginning with small, easily agreed-upon facts before moving to more significant disclosures

Answer

The foot-in-the-door technique builds compliance incrementally, starting with small agreements that make larger disclosures more likely.

(CFI) Certified Forensic Interviewer Practice Test

(CFI) Certified Forensic Interviewer Practice Test

CFI Interview Techniques & Strategies 3