CPE Interview Methods 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which interview phase is dedicated to establishing the subject's normal behavioral baseline?
- The pre-test interview (Correct answer)
- The in-test phase
- The post-test interview
- The chart review phase
Correct 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.
Question 2: A subject consistently uses distancing language (e.g., 'the gun' instead of 'my gun'). This linguistic indicator may suggest:
- Psychological distancing from the object or act (Correct answer)
- Lack of ownership of any weapon
- Foreign language influence
- High emotional intelligence
Correct answer: Psychological distancing from the object or act
Distancing language can reflect a subconscious attempt to disassociate from incriminating objects or actions.
Question 3: The 'funnel approach' in interviewing means:
- Starting with broad open questions and narrowing to specific closed questions (Correct answer)
- Beginning with accusatory questions and softening over time
- Using only yes/no questions throughout
- Alternating between open and closed questions randomly
Correct 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.
Question 4: When using the PEACE model of interviewing, the 'E' stands for:
- Engage and Explain (Correct answer)
- Evidence Collection
- Evaluation
- Ethical Standards
Correct answer: Engage and Explain
In the PEACE model, 'E' (Engage and Explain) covers building rapport and explaining the interview purpose to the subject.
Question 5: An examiner who promises a subject that cooperation will guarantee leniency from prosecutors has committed:
- An improper inducement that can invalidate the examination (Correct answer)
- Standard minimization technique
- Acceptable rapport building
- A legal form of motivation
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which verbal behavior is associated with deceptive subjects attempting to buy time before answering?
- Repeating or rephrasing the question before answering (Correct answer)
- Immediately denying the allegation
- Providing a detailed alibi
- Asking to speak with an attorney
Correct 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.
Question 7: The purpose of the 'walk-away' technique during an interview is to:
- Create psychological tension that may prompt voluntary disclosure (Correct answer)
- Indicate the examiner is ending the session
- Comply with a subject's request to stop
- Allow the subject time to consult an attorney
Correct 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.
CPE Interview Methods 3
Which interview phase is dedicated to establishing the subject's normal behavioral baseline?