Interview & Interrogation Techniques Flashcards

Which of the following is an example of the 'minimization' technique used during interrogation?

Answer: Suggesting the crime was understandable or less serious to lower the suspect's resistance to confessing

Minimization involves downplaying the moral seriousness or legal consequences of the act to make it psychologically easier for the suspect to admit involvement.

What is the key difference between an admission and a confession in investigative terms?

Answer: An admission acknowledges a fact related to the crime; a confession is a direct acknowledgment of guilt

An admission is a statement acknowledging a fact incriminating to the subject, while a confession is a direct statement accepting full guilt for the criminal act.

Which physiological response is the polygraph primarily designed to measure during an examination?

Answer: Autonomic nervous system responses including respiration, skin conductance, and blood pressure

Polygraphs measure autonomic nervous system responses—respiration, galvanic skin response, and cardiovascular activity—that correlate with psychological stress.

An investigator interrupts a subject frequently and finishes their sentences during an interview. What effect does this MOST likely have?

Answer: It inhibits full disclosure and may contaminate the subject's account with the investigator's own assumptions

Frequent interruptions prevent subjects from completing their full narrative, and finishing sentences can introduce the interviewer's assumptions into the account.

What is 'post-event information effect' as it relates to eyewitness testimony in investigations?

Answer: Information encountered after an event that alters or contaminates the witness's original memory

The post-event information effect (misinformation effect) occurs when a witness's original memory is altered by exposure to new information introduced after the event.

Which factor MOST significantly increases the risk of a false confession during a custodial interrogation?

Answer: Extended interrogation duration combined with sleep deprivation and high psychological pressure

Prolonged interrogation, sleep deprivation, and intense psychological pressure are the strongest predictors of false confessions, particularly in vulnerable populations.

When an interview subject provides a statement that is internally inconsistent, what is the BEST investigative next step?

Answer: Ask clarifying, non-accusatory follow-up questions to explore the inconsistency without alerting the subject to suspicion

Non-accusatory clarifying questions allow the investigator to explore the inconsistency while maintaining rapport and gathering more information before making any accusation.