Ch. 30: Interviewing

Question 1

What is the primary definition of an interview in the context of investigations?

a) A process where an investigator interrogates a suspect to obtain a confession.

b) A communication process where an investigator gathers information or verifies facts in a non-accusatory manner.

c) A formal questioning session conducted by law enforcement.

d) A casual conversation between an investigator and a witness.

Answer 1

b) A communication process where an investigator gathers information or verifies facts in a non-accusatory manner.

Question 2

What is the preferred method for conducting an interview?

a) Through a written letter.

b) Via text message.

c) Face-to-face.

d) Over the internet (e.g., Skype).

Answer 2

c) Face-to-face.

Question 3

What is a potential problem with not interviewing someone face-to-face?

a) The interviewee might not provide enough detail.

b) It can lead to questions about whether the person spoken to was an impostor.

c) It takes too much time to arrange.

d) It is less personal.

Answer 3

b) It can lead to questions about whether the person spoken to was an impostor.

Question 4

When interviewing a claimant in an insurance investigation, how can an investigator easily satisfy the question, “Why should I speak to you?”

a) By offering them a reward.

b) By threatening legal action.

c) By explaining that you are investigating an insurance claim.

d) By stating that it is a legal requirement for all citizens.

Answer 4

c) By explaining that you are investigating an insurance claim.

Question 5

When interviewing a claimant in an insurance investigation, what is the answer to the question, “If I speak to you, what’s in it for me?”

a) The possibility of receiving a confession.

b) The claim will be paid if it is not fraudulent.

c) You will avoid legal repercussions.

d) You will receive a monetary incentive.

Answer 5

b) The claim will be paid if it is not fraudulent.

Question 6

What type of situation is considered “more challenging” for an investigator during an interview?

a) Interviewing a cooperative suspect.

b) Interviewing a claimant in an insurance investigation.

c) Interviewing a witness who is not obligated to cooperate.

d) Interviewing someone who is very talkative.

Answer 6

c) Interviewing a witness who is not obligated to cooperate.

Question 7

What type of persuasion technique might be necessary when a witness is not obligated to cooperate?

a) Coercive persuasion.

b) Accusatory questioning.

c) Non-coercive persuasion.

d) Threatening legal action.

Answer 7

c) Non-coercive persuasion.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a non-coercive persuasion technique an investigator might use when a witness is not obligated to cooperate?

a) “If you don’t speak to me, you could be implicated.”

b) “You are the only responsible person to stay at the scene and give a statement. Thank you.”

c) “I have a subpoena that requires your cooperation.”

d) “I will pay you for your time and information.”

Answer 8

b) “You are the only responsible person to stay at the scene and give a statement. Thank you.”

Question 9

What is the psychological effect of complimenting an interviewee’s responsible nature?

a) It makes them feel obligated to confess.

b) It makes them question their own responsibility.

c) It makes them conclude that, as a responsible person, they must help.

d) It makes them feel superior to the investigator.

Answer 9

c) It makes them conclude that, as a responsible person, they must help

Question 10

How does the phrase “I know we can count on you” appeal to the interviewee’s ego?

a) It challenges their honesty.

b) It reinforces their self-perception as a reliable person.

c) It suggests a personal relationship with the investigator.

d) It implies a legal obligation.

Answer 10

b) It reinforces their self-perception as a reliable person.

Question 11

When a witness is not obligated to cooperate, what is a key element of the non-coercive persuasion technique described?

a) Emphasizing the legal consequences of non-cooperation.

b) Highlighting their unique role and responsible nature.

c) Offering a direct financial incentive.

d) Threatening to involve their employer.

Answer 11

b) Highlighting their unique role and responsible nature.

Question 12

Why is explaining “why” the interviewee is considered responsible effective in an interview?

a) It makes the flattery more believable and genuine.

b) It provides a logical argument for their legal obligation.

c) It allows the investigator to control the conversation.

d) It sets a confrontational tone for the interview.

Answer 12

a) It makes the flattery more believable and genuine.

Question 13

What is the consequence of an interviewee concluding they “must help” based on being identified as a “responsible person”?

a) They will likely become accusatory.

b) They will try to find an excuse to leave.

c) They will cooperate with the follow-up investigation.

d) They will demand payment for their time.

Answer 13

c) They will cooperate with the follow-up investigation.

Question 14

In the context of an interview, what does “appealing to their ego” refer to?

a) Making them feel superior to the investigator.

b) Reinforcing their positive self-perception and desire to be seen as helpful.

c) Challenging their intelligence and knowledge.

d) Directly asking them for a favor.

Answer 14

b) Reinforcing their positive self-perception and desire to be seen as helpful.

Question 15

What type of investigator would generally have the easiest time securing cooperation from an interviewee?

a) A criminal defense investigator.

b) A cohabitation investigator.

c) An insurance investigator interviewing a claimant.

d) An investigator interviewing a hostile witness.

Answer 15

c) An insurance investigator interviewing a claimant.

Question 16

If an investigator cannot conduct a face-to-face interview, what is the next best alternative?

a) Written letter.

b) Text message.

c) Phone conversation.

d) Internet (Skype, etc.).

Answer 16

c) Phone conversation.

Question 17

What is the least preferred method for conducting an interview?

a) Face-to-face.

b) Phone conversation.

c) Written letter, email, or text message.

d) Video call over the internet.

Answer 17

c) Written letter, email, or text message.

Question 18

What is a key characteristic of an interview, as defined in Chapter 30?

a) It is always accusatory.

b) It focuses on obtaining confessions.

c) It is a non-accusatory communication process.

d) It is primarily for interrogation purposes.

Answer 18

c) It is a non-accusatory communication process.

Question 19

When interviewing a claimant in an insurance investigation, what is the implicit “win” for the claimant if they cooperate?

a) They will receive additional compensation.

b) Their claim will be paid if it is not fraudulent.

c) They will avoid a lengthy legal battle.

d) They will receive a positive reference from the investigator.

Answer 19

b) Their claim will be paid if it is not fraudulent.

Question 20

What is a common reason people might hesitate or refuse to speak with an investigator?

a) They are generally pleasant and willing to talk.

b) They do not understand “Why should I speak to you?” or “What’s in it for me?”.

c) They always assume the investigator is accusatory.

d) They are busy and do not have time

Answer 20

b) They do not understand “Why should I speak to you?” or “What’s in it for me?”.