Anderson Investigative AssociatesScience-Based Interview & Investigation Training

Interview Techniques

Science, applied to the interview room.

The AIA articles column on science-based interviewing — rapport, cognition, evocation, procedural justice, and the internal discipline it takes to run a good interview. Written for investigators, auditors, inspectors, and HR professionals. New articles added regularly.

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66+Interviewing Articles

10+Years Publishing

8Topics Covered

Since 2018Writing Weekly

All Interviewing Content

Every article, organized by theme

The Science-Based Interviewing column covers rapport, cognition, evocation, procedural justice, and the internal discipline good interviewing requires. Jump to a category below, or scroll through all of it.

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

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The Complete Archive

View all Science-Based Interviewing articles

Every article published in the column, listed in one place. Jump to a category below, or scroll to browse everything.

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Ask Us Anything

Frequently asked questions

What is science-based interviewing, and how is it different from traditional interrogation?

Science-based interviewing replaces legacy, folklore-driven tactics with methods backed by research — evidence-based suspicion instead of gut instinct, procedural justice instead of pressure, and verbal deception analysis instead of unreliable non-verbal "tells." Articles like The Truth Unveiled and Evidence-Based Suspicion lay out why this approach consistently outperforms traditional interrogation.

How is this content organized?

Into 8 categories: The Interviewer's Mindset & Internal Work, Evocation, Empathy & Human Connection, Procedural Justice/Trust/Rapport, Evidence/Deception & Suspicion, Critical Thinking & Active Listening, Decision-Making & Organization, Training/Leadership & Program Building, and Practical Techniques & Interview Fundamentals.

What is "evocation," and why does it matter in an interview?

Evocation is the practice of drawing out a subject's own values, identity, and motivations rather than imposing a theme on them — covered in depth in the Evocation & Evidence and Advanced Evocation articles. It pairs warmth and empathy with precision, so interviewers build genuine human access instead of just applying pressure.

Why do rapport and procedural justice get so much attention in these articles?

Because the research is consistent: trust, fairness, and effective listening — not intimidation — are what produce reliable, complete accounts. The rapport trilogy, the procedural justice series, and pieces like From Gut Instinct to Science walk through why this foundation has to be built before any interview technique can work.

Do these articles cover detecting deception?

Yes — the Evidence, Deception & Suspicion category examines what the research actually supports, moving away from outdated non-verbal "tells" toward verbal and evidence-based methods, including articles specific to telephone interviews and false-evidence tactics that should be retired.

Is this content only for law enforcement investigators?

No. While many articles are written for investigators, auditors, inspectors, and HR professionals, the underlying science — rapport, cognition, evocation, critical thinking — applies to any conversation where getting an honest, complete account matters.

Can AIA build training around these topics for my organization?

Yes. Procedural justice, evocation, evidence-based suspicion, and the other themes covered in this column can all be built into a customized science-based interviewing program — reach out through the contact page to discuss your organization's needs.

Committed to truth through science-based interviewing.

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