Interview Methods Flashcards

Which interview phase is dedicated to establishing the subject's normal behavioral baseline?

Answer: The pre-test interview

The pre-test interview allows the examiner to observe the subject's typical verbal and non-verbal behavior before psychophysiological testing begins.

A subject consistently uses distancing language (e.g., 'the gun' instead of 'my gun'). This linguistic indicator may suggest:

Answer: Psychological distancing from the object or act

Distancing language can reflect a subconscious attempt to disassociate from incriminating objects or actions.

The 'funnel approach' in interviewing means:

Answer: Starting with broad open questions and narrowing to specific closed questions

The funnel approach structures the interview from general open-ended prompts down to specific targeted questions to maximize narrative flow.

When using the PEACE model of interviewing, the 'E' stands for:

Answer: Engage and Explain

In the PEACE model, 'E' (Engage and Explain) covers building rapport and explaining the interview purpose to the subject.

An examiner who promises a subject that cooperation will guarantee leniency from prosecutors has committed:

Answer: An improper inducement that can invalidate the examination

Promising legal outcomes the examiner cannot control constitutes an improper inducement and can render any subsequent confession inadmissible.

Which verbal behavior is associated with deceptive subjects attempting to buy time before answering?

Answer: Repeating or rephrasing the question before answering

Stalling behaviors like repeating the question are linked to deception because they allow the subject to formulate a response.

The purpose of the 'walk-away' technique during an interview is to:

Answer: Create psychological tension that may prompt voluntary disclosure

Briefly leaving the room or pausing the interview can increase the subject's anxiety and willingness to disclose information voluntarily.