Week 9: Interviewing & Testimony

What are problems with Eyewitnesses?

Often imprecise, make mistakes, some have vulnerabilities, can be reluctant to report what they recall.

What is the purpose of evidential interview?

Develop rapport, manage witness expectations, ask questions encouraging detail and accuracy, use techniques to support memory.

What is Confirmation Bias and how can it happen?

Human tendency to confirm pre-existing beliefs which can happen through, information processing, selective search for information, evaluation of evidence, memory for evidence and self-selective prophecy.

What are types of False Confessions?

Voluntary, coerced compliant (want to make interview end or belief of better outcome for self, coerced internalised (come to believe they committed the crime can be formed from false evidence ploys).

What is the Reid Technique?

An interrogation purpose of trying to get a confession. Built on belief of not interrogating innocent people. Dangerous. Behaviour analysis interview.

What is the PEACE framework used in NZ?

Interview Framework beginning with planning and preparation, engage and explain, account probe and challenge, closure, evaluation.

What is the Simple Expectancy Effect Model?

Expecter’s Expectations = Expecter’s Vehaviour = Target’s Behaviour.

What are issues with the Reid Technique?

Non-verbal cues are weak and non-diagnostic and lie detection ability is universally poor. Police are more confident but not more accurate. Guilt presumption leads to self-fulfilling prophecies (confirmation bias).