COMPLICATING FACTORS IN FORENSIC INTERVIEWING

There are a number of special issues that arise within the context of forensic interviewing and evaluation that need to be considered in our evaluation of the reliability of the information obtained during the process. The individual being interviewed or evaluated might provide inaccurate information for a variety of reasons. It is important for the forensic interviewer to be aware of the most common reasons individuals provide inaccurate information as well as some of the techniques used to evaluate the veracity of the information provided. The person being interviewed might engage in malingering or otherwise exaggerate symptoms in an attempt to avoid some perceived consequence or gain some benefit. Individuals might lie about facts to protect themselves or loved ones, individuals may confess to a crime they have not committed to avoid distress during the interrogation process, or individuals may simply have a distorted view of the information or lack self-insight.

In this Discussion, you will select one of the complicating factors listed below, and discuss the nature of the complication as well as ways it is addressed in forensic evaluations.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Select Malingering, False Confessions, or Lie Detection and Polygraphs Read the Learning Resources that relate to your chosen issue for this week.

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.