Using specific model statements to elicit information and cues to deceit in information-gathering interviews

Porter, Cody Normitta; Vrij, Aldert; Leal, Sharon; Vernham, Zarah; Salvanelli, Giacomo; McIntyre, Niall

Abstract

Model Statements are designed to modify an interviewee's expectation of the amount of details required during an interview. This study examined tailored Model Statements, emphasising either spatial (Spatial-MS), or temporal (Temporal-MS) details, compared to a control condition (no-MS). Participants (63 liars, 63 truth-tellers) were randomly allocated to one of three interviewing conditions. Truth-tellers honestly reported a spy mission, whereas liars performed a covert mission and lied about their activities. The Spatial-MS elicited more spatial details than the control, particularly for truth-tellers. The Temporal-MS elicited more temporal details than the control, for truth-tellers and liars combined. Results indicate that the composition of different Model Statements increases the amount of details provided and, regarding spatial details, affects truth-teller's and liar's statements differently. Thus, Model Statements can be constructed to elicit information and magnify cues to deceit.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 9, 2017
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Deposit Date: Apr 6, 2022
• Journal: Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition
• Print ISSN: 2211-3681
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 132-142
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmac.2017.10.003
• Keywords: Applied Psychology; Clinical Psychology; Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/9278948
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: Using Specific Model Statements to Elicit Information and Cues to Deceit in Information-Gathering Interviews; Journal Title: Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmac.2017.10.003; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2017 Society for Applied Research in Memory and Cognition. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.