CFI Statement Analysis & Verbal Behavior

Question 1

In SCAN (Scientific Content Analysis), what does an examiner look for regarding the opening of a subject's written account?

Accepted Answer

Whether the narrative begins before the alleged incident

Answer

Whether the subject uses passive voice throughout

Answer

Whether emotional language appears in the first paragraph

Answer

Whether the statement matches the length of the questions asked

Question 2

In statement analysis, using hedging phrases such as 'I think,' 'I believe,' or 'I'm not sure' when describing events the subject directly experienced is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Lack of conviction

Answer

Temporal lacunae

Answer

Equivocation

Answer

Narrative imbalance

Question 3

Which foundational principle underlies Criterion-Based Content Analysis (CBCA)?

Accepted Answer

Truthful accounts tend to score higher on credibility criteria than fabricated ones

Answer

Fabricated accounts contain more sensory details than truthful ones

Answer

The number of details in a statement is the primary indicator of truthfulness

Answer

Written statements are more reliable than verbal accounts for analysis

Question 4

In forensic statement analysis, spontaneous self-corrections made by a subject without prompting are generally considered:

Accepted Answer

A positive credibility indicator suggesting genuine recall

Answer

A sign of deception due to inconsistency in the account

Answer

Evidence the subject was coached before the interview

Answer

An attempt to manipulate the interviewer's perception

Question 5

What does 'temporal lacunae' refer to in statement analysis?

Accepted Answer

A gap or missing time period in a subject's account

Answer

The use of past tense in an account about a current situation

Answer

A discrepancy between verbal and written versions of a statement

Answer

The delay between when an event occurred and when it was reported

Question 6

Which of the following best exemplifies a 'reliable denial' according to forensic statement analysis principles?

Accepted Answer

'I did not steal the funds from the account on Friday.'

Answer

'I didn't do it, and I would never do anything like that.'

Answer

'I swear to God I had nothing to do with this.'

Answer

'Why would I do something like that to someone I care about?'

Question 7

In statement analysis, 'distancing language' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Passive constructions or dropped pronouns that psychologically separate a subject from an act

Answer

Technical jargon that creates distance between a statement and lay audiences

Answer

References to events occurring at a remote location

Answer

Language designed to create physical space between the interviewer and subject