Psychology and interviewing: what direction now in our quest for reliable information?

Gavin E. Oxburgh (Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at the School of Social Sciences & Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK)
Coral J. Dando (Department of Psychology, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK)

The British Journal of Forensic Practice

ISSN: 1463-6646

Publication date: 18 May 2011

Abstract

Purpose

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The purpose of this paper is to discuss two distinct but interrelated areas, namely witness/victim and suspect interviewing, and to argue that both must continue to evolve, suggest how they might do so, and that this process must be driven by emergent theory and contemporary empirical research.

Design/methodology/approach

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The paper outlines the impact of psychological theory and empirical research to investigative interviewing in recent decades.

Findings

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It is argued that in order to stay ahead of the game, the field of investigative interviewing (suspect and witness) must continue to evolve in such a manner that not only protects and fosters the important practitioner/academic relationship, but also ensures that future directions are driven by empirical research, with recourse to emergent theory.

Originality/value

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The paper outlines the impact of psychological theory and empirical research on investigative interviewing and the consequent enhancement of the interviewing of both suspected offenders and witnesses. The paper demonstrates that working closely together academic research can make a difference, and influence law, policy decisions and training guidelines in order to improve practice.

Keywords

Citation

Oxburgh, G. and Dando, C. (2011), "Psychology and interviewing: what direction now in our quest for reliable information?", The British Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 135-144. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636641111134378

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Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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