Chapter 11

Questioning Techniques

Abstract

Interviewing is best done face to face. There is a complex interaction that takes place during an interview in which there are observations made by both participants as they check and recheck each other’s verbal and nonverbal behavior. There is a mutual analysis: The interviewee is scrutinizing the investigator for signs of belief in his statements while being observed for patterns of deception. Seasoned interviewers know that luck is merely what is left over after careful planning and preparation. They develop a plan for each interview but remain flexible in applying that plan. They help interviewees rationalize and save face, thus encouraging their cooperation. It is worth remembering that when someone ...

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