CMI CMI Witness Interview Techniques & Human Factors 2

Question 1

The 'SHELL model' in human factors analysis is used to examine interactions between which components?

Accepted Answer

Software, Hardware, Environment, Liveware (human), and Liveware (others)

Answer

The SHELL model evaluates the interfaces between the central human (Liveware) and Software, Hardware, Environment, and other humans to identify failure points.

Question 2

Which statement about leading questions in marine casualty witness interviews is correct?

Accepted Answer

Leading questions should be avoided because they can distort or contaminate witness memory

Answer

Leading questions suggest an answer within the question itself, which can alter the witness's recollection and undermine the reliability of testimony.

Question 3

In a marine casualty investigation, the concept of 'normalization of deviance' describes:

Accepted Answer

The gradual acceptance of unsafe practices as normal because they have not previously resulted in an accident

Answer

Normalization of deviance, identified by sociologist Diane Vaughan, occurs when repeated rule violations without negative consequences lead crews to treat unsafe behaviors as acceptable.

Question 4

What is the significance of documenting a witness's demeanor and non-verbal behavior during a marine casualty interview?

Accepted Answer

It provides context that may help assess the credibility and reliability of the witness's statement

Answer

Non-verbal cues such as hesitation, eye contact, and body language can inform the investigator's assessment of a witness's confidence and truthfulness.

Question 5

A crew member's failure to follow a written procedure due to time pressure is best categorized under James Reason's error model as:

Accepted Answer

A violation — a deliberate deviation from a rule or procedure

Answer

Under Reason's model, deliberately deviating from a known procedure — even for a perceived good reason — constitutes a violation rather than an inadvertent error.

(CMI) Certified Marine Investigator Practice Test

(CMI) Certified Marine Investigator Practice Test

CMI CMI Witness Interview Techniques & Human Factors 2