Anderson Investigative AssociatesScience-Based Interview & Investigation Training
AIA Blog Archive
All Blog Articles.
Since 2014, Mark Anderson has published weekly writing on science-based interviewing and personal well-being. Every article is indexed below, organized into two collections.
Interview Techniques
70 Articles
Science-based interviewing, investigative strategy, rapport, and the craft of asking better questions.
Browse the Collection ↓Wellness
69 Articles
Resilience, mindset, integrity, and the well-being practices behind sustainable, grounded performance.
Browse the Collection ↓
Collection · 70 Articles
Interview Techniques
Science-based interviewing, investigative strategy, and the research behind better questions — from cognitive interviewing to procedural justice.
2026
The Most Honest Words in the Room: Why “I Don’t Know” Creates Better ConversationsAugust 7, 2026
The Unified Human Access Model: A Narrative for Interviewers on Warmth, Cognition & HumilityAugust 7, 2026
Evocation and Evidence: Integrating Science and StrategyAugust 7, 2026
Advanced Evocation: Values, Identity, and FearAugust 7, 2026
The Interviewer’s Internal Work: Regulating Yourself in the RoomAugust 7, 2026
Understanding Reluctance: What People Protect and Why It MattersAugust 6, 2026
Evidence-Based Suspicion: The Cornerstone of Science-Based InterviewingJune 18, 2026
From Gut Instinct to Science: Rethinking Rapport and TrustJune 18, 2026
Embracing the Lie: A Science-Based Interviewing Approach to Stronger CasesJune 18, 2026
Same Protocol, Different Approach: Officers and CiviliansJune 18, 2026
Reducing Uncertainty, Resolving Ambiguity: Tools for Investigative InterviewersJune 18, 2026
Bridging the Gap: How Investigative Agencies Can Implement Science-Based InterviewingJune 18, 2026
The Truth Unveiled: Why Science-Based Interviewing Outperforms Traditional InterrogationJune 18, 2026
The Science of Procedural Justice: Trust, Empathy & ListeningJune 18, 2026
Unveiling Truth Through Fairness: Strategic Empathy and Procedural JusticeJune 18, 2026
Why Trust Matters: Applying Procedural Justice in Evidence-Based InterviewsJune 18, 2026
Breaking the Cycle: Why Law Enforcement Must Abandon False Evidence TacticsJune 18, 2026
The Gameful Mindset: Unlocking Creativity in Investigative InterviewingJune 18, 2026
2025
Empathy Meets Evidence: The Case for Trauma-Informed InterviewingAugust 6, 2025
WISCI Unveiled: The Evidence-Based Approach to Critical Incident Witness InterviewsAugust 1, 2025
Building Trust and Gathering Truth: Research-Driven Communication StrategiesJuly 28, 2025
Creativity in Evidence-Based Interviewing: A Forward-Looking PerspectiveJuly 24, 2025
Evidence-Based Insights: Why Influence Outperforms Persuasion in Investigative WorkJanuary 20, 2025
Mastering the Truth: Evidence-Based Investigative Interviewing TechniquesJanuary 20, 2025
The Silent Struggle: The Impact of Loneliness on Investigative InterviewingJanuary 20, 2025
The Power of Words: Transforming Investigative Interviews Through Intentional LanguageJanuary 20, 2025
Cracking the Code: Evidence-Based Insights into Detecting DeceptionJanuary 20, 2025
The Power of Understanding: How Empathy Dismantles Fear in High-Stakes InterviewsJanuary 20, 2025
The Challenge of Change: Embracing Evidence-Based Techniques in Investigative InterviewingJanuary 20, 2025
Themes are Out: Ensuring Understanding to Gain the TruthJanuary 20, 2025
2023
Are We Ensuring Understanding or Assuming What We Heard?May 9, 2023
Critical Thinking’s Essential Role in Interview PlanningMarch 27, 2023
The Importance of Honing Critical Thinking Skills for Interviewing SuccessMarch 20, 2023
Are We Good Listeners; Or Thinking About What We Are Going to Say Next?March 20, 2023
2022
I Hope I’m Not Being Bias About BiasesOctober 12, 2022
How to Minimize Bad DecisionsSeptember 26, 2022
Decision Making SkillsSeptember 26, 2022
Is Your Lack of Organization Causing Decreased Investigation and Audit Productivity?September 26, 2022
Minimizing Denials: Handling Them to Focus on Our Interview GoalsJuly 11, 2022
Fear: Are We Keeping Fear Paramount in Our Minds During Interviews?June 28, 2022
2021
Post COVID-19: What Are We Going to Do About Conducting Interviews?May 11, 2021
Ethical Interviewing Article in CFInsider, December 2020May 5, 2021
2020
A Baker’s Dozen of Common Mistakes that Damage Effective Interviewing, Part 2May 12, 2020
A Baker’s Dozen of Common Mistakes that Damage Effective Interviewing, Part 1March 31, 2020
Four Ways To Maximize The Effect of RapportMarch 31, 2020
The 7 Foundational Requirements for RapportJanuary 20, 2020
2019
Traversing the 3 Levels of RapportNovember 25, 2019
The Rise of Societal Narcissism and its Impact on Interviewing and InterrogationOctober 28, 2019
Complaint Intake Interview Training for the Florida AIGJune 21, 2019
I AM CEO Podcast AppearanceApril 29, 2019
Four Benefits of Having A Hotline or Complaint Intake VehicleFebruary 5, 2019
Have We Adequately Prepared Our Hotline Operators and Intake Workers?January 22, 2019
2018
Why is Critical Thinking Important?October 29, 2018
Six Areas That Improve Dramatically With Interview TrainingSeptember 19, 2018
7 Tips for Telephone InterviewsJuly 30, 2018
The Three C’s of Interviewing: Competence, Confidence, and CredibilityJuly 2, 2018
2017
Effective Interviewing: What about Interview Room Set Up?May 9, 2017
Training the New Generation of InvestigatorsApril 12, 2017
2016
Effective Interviewing: What about Interview Planning?October 11, 2016
Technology and Interviewing: The Electronic Age in Human InteractionApril 25, 2016
The Power of a Thank You: Using Soft Language in the InterviewFebruary 17, 2016
Interview Training, Are You Kidding? Who Me?February 11, 2016
Deception and the Telephone; How Do We Detect It?January 14, 2016
2015
An Aggressive Prevention Approach to Deter FraudSeptember 29, 2015
Questions Posed During Interviews: The Time/Responsibility ContinuumMay 20, 2015
The Neurochemistry of Interviews That Create a Bad ReactionMarch 20, 2015
Finish Well, My Friend: Rapport and the Art of a Good Summary and CloseFebruary 11, 2015
2014
Hearing is Not ListeningSeptember 29, 2014
Training For ChangeMay 2, 2014
Training For ChangeJanuary 16, 2014
Collection · 69 Articles
Wellness
Resilience, mindset, integrity, and the personal well-being practices that support sustainable, grounded performance — on and off the job.
2026
Article 4: Red Teaming as a Relational Resilience PracticeAugust 4, 2026
The Progress Protocol — Part 4: The Creativity Effect of Letting GoAugust 4, 2026
The Progress Protocol — Part 3: Progress Creates Momentum, Not PressureAugust 4, 2026
The Progress Protocol — Part 2: Why “Good Enough” Is a Power MoveAugust 4, 2026
The Progress Protocol — Part 10: Bringing It All TogetherJuly 21, 2026
The Progress Protocol — Part 9: Progress Is the Real StandardJuly 21, 2026
The Progress Protocol — Part 8: Redefining What “Your Best” Actually MeansJuly 21, 2026
The Progress Protocol — Part 7: Common Progress Killers to Watch ForJuly 21, 2026
The Progress Protocol — Part 6: Applying the Protocol to Daily WorkJuly 21, 2026
The Progress Protocol — Part 5: The START Model — A Field-Ready FrameworkJuly 21, 2026
Integrity Series Wrap-Up: Integrity as a Daily PracticeJuly 13, 2026
Five Practical Ways to Strengthen Your IntegrityJuly 13, 2026
Five Reasons Integrity Is Essential for Confidence, Leadership & Long-Term SuccessJuly 13, 2026
The Three Attributes of Integrity: The Foundation of Personal & Professional Well-BeingJuly 13, 2026
Capstone Summary: Red Teaming for a Stronger LifeJuly 10, 2026
Article 8: How to Start Red Teaming Your LifeJuly 10, 2026
Article 7: The Red Teaming–Wellbeing ModelJuly 10, 2026
Article 6: The Interviewer’s Internal Work, Regulating Yourself in the RoomJuly 10, 2026
Article 5: Red Teaming and Investigative Interviewing; The Missing LinkJuly 10, 2026
Article 3: Red Teaming as a Personal Resilience PracticeJuly 10, 2026
Article 2: Red Teaming, The Predictable Ways Humans Court FailureJuly 10, 2026
Article 1: What Red Teaming Really IsJuly 10, 2026
2025
3 Steps to Start Embracing Life’s ChangesJanuary 20, 2025
9 Proven Tips for Navigating Life’s Toughest ChangesJanuary 20, 2025
Listen to Learn: 9 Areas to Focus for SuccessJanuary 20, 2025
Interview-Less: Interviewing Traits You Must AvoidJanuary 20, 2025
10 Motivational Quotes on Resilience and PerseveranceJanuary 20, 2025
Leader-Less: Leadership Traits You Must AvoidJanuary 20, 2025
Weathering Life’s Storms: How Self-Care Helps You Overcome AdversityJanuary 20, 2025
Rising from the Ashes: How to Bounce Back After Life’s SetbacksJanuary 20, 2025
Are We Prepared to Meet the Need for Hope in Those We Encounter?January 14, 2025
Why You Need to Take Risks to SucceedJanuary 14, 2025
Why Are We So Afraid of Failure?January 14, 2025
10 Reasons We Are Afraid to Ask for HelpJanuary 14, 2025
How Important is Being Authentic?January 14, 2025
2024
Focus and Action Go Hand in HandJanuary 8, 2024
2023
Reasons Why You Should Become an Action-TakerDecember 6, 2023
3 Secrets to Help You Take Action NowDecember 6, 2023
Happy Thanksgiving: The Unparalleled Power of ThankfulnessDecember 6, 2023
7 Ways to Turn Worry into Excitement about Getting Things DoneDecember 6, 2023
6 Strategies Sure to Help You Overcome Procrastination and Gain MomentumDecember 6, 2023
A Dozen Life-Changing Habits to Harness the Power of MomentumDecember 4, 2023
5 Steps to Effectively Communicate Your Feelings in RelationshipsDecember 4, 2023
6 Reasons Unwavering Belief In Yourself Improves Your RelationshipsDecember 4, 2023
How Can I Be More Supportive in My Relationships?December 4, 2023
Embrace Imperfection to Raise Self-WorthDecember 4, 2023
What are Positive Affirmations and Why Should I Care?December 4, 2023
Are Confidence and Credibility Important? 8 Power-Ups for Reclaiming ConfidenceDecember 4, 2023
The Iceberg Model and InterviewingDecember 4, 2023
The Victim Mentality is Running Rampant; Have You Got It Too?December 4, 2023
Gratitude is an Attitude: What’s Yours?December 4, 2023
What Does Contentment Mean?December 4, 2023
The Benefits of MindfulnessDecember 4, 2023
10 Ways to Shift Your Mindset According to the ExpertsDecember 4, 2023
You’re Not Guaranteed Another Minute, Don’t Let Worry Steal AnyDecember 4, 2023
6 Things You Can Do Right Now to Change Your Life and Stop WorryingMarch 20, 2023
6 Ways to Deal with Naysayers and Continue to Crush Your GoalsMarch 20, 2023
2022
4 Ways Introverts Can Enjoy More Social ConfidenceOctober 17, 2022
7 Ways to Turn Worry into Excitement to Get More Things DoneOctober 12, 2022
How to Stay Focused in an Increasingly Distracting WorldOctober 12, 2022
4 Ways You Can Overcome Self-DoubtSeptember 27, 2022
5 Beliefs That Keep You from Going After Your GoalsSeptember 27, 2022
Communication and Follow Up in the Business WorldSeptember 27, 2022
The Importance of Communicating and Persuading with PassionSeptember 27, 2022
What Is A Decision?September 26, 2022
5 Steps to More Confident Decision-MakingSeptember 26, 2022
2018
Memories: The Need for Communication and ConnectionDecember 18, 2018
Nine Steps to Overcoming Resistance and AdversityOctober 15, 2018
2016
What are You Willing to Give? The Law of ReciprocityJuly 25, 2016
In Their Words
Testimonials
Feedback from investigators, auditors and IG professionals who've trained with AIA.
“
Mark's training classes are a refreshing and engaging approach to gathering pertinent evidence during the interviewing process. He presents the material in a way that draws the audience in.
Elizabeth L. Sherrod, CFE, LPI
CEO, Sherrod Investigative Group · Past President, Knoxville ACFE
“
Mark's training is engaging, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable, yet firmly grounded in the latest science.
Anthony Palmieri
Deputy Inspector General · President, Palm Beach Economic Crimes Unit
“
Mark has a myriad of law enforcement and public corruption investigation experience that makes him one of the highest rated instructors at the AIG Institutes.
Stephen Street
Louisiana State Inspector General
“
Uniquely qualified to develop and deliver interviewing and interrogation training to new and experienced criminal and administrative investigators alike.
Robert Ray
Director, Inspector General Criminal Investigator Academy
“
Mark's expertise in investigative interviewing sets him apart — an outstanding and enthusiastic instructor who received consistently favorable comments from students and colleagues.
Angela Hrdlicka
Independent Management, Security & Law Enforcement Consultant
“
Some of the best interviewing training I've ever seen and sent my detectives to. His practices and trainings evolve as he learns more from science-based information.
Brian Peete
Director, Riley County Police Department
Ask Us Anything
Frequently asked questions
What is Anderson Investigative Associates (AIA)?
AIA is a professional training organization specializing in customized, science-based interview and investigative training for organizations across law enforcement, corporate, audit, human resources, and inspection sectors.
What's the difference between the Interview Techniques and Wellness collections?
Interview Techniques covers science-based interviewing, investigative strategy, and communication craft. Wellness covers resilience, mindset, and integrity — the personal foundations that support strong practitioners. Many readers follow both.
What does "science-based interviewing" mean?
It refers to methodologies rooted in cognitive psychology and behavioral science research that improve information accuracy, reduce investigative bias, and enhance the quality of interviews and investigations.
How often is the blog updated?
Mark publishes new writing most weeks, often as part of a themed series — recent examples include "The Progress Protocol" and the "Red Teaming" series.
Are AIA's training programs customizable?
Yes. AIA specializes in fully customized training solutions tailored to an organization's specific operational requirements, training gaps, culture, and investigative challenges.
Who should attend AIA training programs?
Professionals in law enforcement, auditing, internal investigations, human resources, corporate security, inspection, evaluation, and other roles where effective information gathering is critical.
How is AIA's training delivered?
Training can be structured in various formats, from one-day workshops to multi-day immersive courses, and includes interactive exercises, realistic scenarios, and hands-on practice.
Why is science-based training important in investigations and interviews?
Science-based approaches improve investigative outcomes by maximizing the reliability and accuracy of information obtained, minimizing bias, and creating defensible methods suitable for legal and professional scrutiny.
Can AIA training help with HR investigations and interviews?
Yes. AIA provides training tailored to human resources professionals for employee interviews, misconduct investigations, conflict resolution, and documentation practices aligned with legal and organizational standards.
How can I contact Anderson Investigative Associates?
You can reach AIA through the website's contact page or by calling the office directly at (912) 571-6686.
Committed to truth through science-based interviewing.
Have questions about scheduling a training for your organization?
(912) 571-6686