Program Overview​

This advanced training program provides investigators, auditors, and fraud examiners with scientifically-validated cognitive interviewing techniques designed to maximize accurate information retrieval from cooperative witnesses, victims, and potentially deceptive subjects. Based on decades of memory research and cognitive psychology studies, this course transforms traditional questioning approaches into science-based methodologies that significantly improve both the quantity and quality of information obtained during investigative interviews.

Memory Science Foundation

The cognitive interview technique is grounded in scientific research demonstrating how human memory actually functions versus common misconceptions about recall processes. Our training incorporates findings from cognitive psychology showing that memory is reconstructive rather than reproductive, and that specific questioning strategies can either enhance or contaminate witness recollections.

Key scientific principles include:

  • Encoding Specificity: How environmental and contextual cues improve memory retrieval
  • Multiple Retrieval Pathways: Accessing memories through different cognitive routes to maximize recall
  • Interference Reduction: Minimizing factors that degrade memory accuracy during the interview process
  • Schema Theory Application: Understanding how prior knowledge affects memory storage and retrieval

Evidence-Based Interview Methodology

Memory Enhancement Techniques
  • Context Reinstatement Participants learn to guide witnesses through systematic mental and physical reconstruction of the original event environment. Research demonstrates that reinstating context can improve recall accuracy by 25-50% compared to standard questioning approaches.
  • Multiple Perspective Recall The program teaches validated techniques for accessing memories from different viewpoints and temporal sequences, allowing witnesses to retrieve information that may be inaccessible through chronological questioning alone.
  • Sensory-Focused Retrieval Training emphasizes how engaging different sensory modalities (visual, auditory, tactile) can unlock additional memory pathways, based on research showing that multi-sensory encoding creates more robust memory traces.

Cooperative Subject Optimization

For willing witnesses and victims, participants learn to:

  • Implement free recall techniques that minimize leading questions and interviewer bias
  • Use appropriate wait times based on cognitive processing research
  • Apply memory-compatible questioning sequences that align with natural recall patterns
  • Recognize and work with individual differences in memory processing styles

Deceptive Subject Considerations

When interviewing potentially deceptive subjects, the program addresses:

  • How cognitive load affects both truthful and deceptive responses
  • Memory-based questions that are difficult to fabricate convincingly
  • Techniques for distinguishing between memory errors and intentional deception
  • Strategies for overcoming resistance while maintaining memory accuracy

Emotional Barrier Management

The course provides evidence-based approaches for identifying and addressing psychological obstacles that prevent complete information sharing:

  • Trauma-Informed Interviewing Research-backed techniques for interviewing trauma survivors without retraumatization while maintaining memory accuracy and completeness.
  • Anxiety and Stress Reduction Scientifically-validated methods for reducing interview anxiety that can impair memory retrieval, including specific verbal and environmental modifications.
  • Motivational Interviewing Integration Evidence-based approaches for encouraging cooperation and information sharing from reluctant witnesses through psychological engagement rather than confrontation.

Practical Implementation

Through interactive exercises and realistic scenarios, participants practice applying cognitive interviewing principles across diverse investigative contexts. Training includes analysis of successful implementations and common pitfalls that can compromise memory retrieval effectiveness.

The program addresses specific challenges including:

  • Adapting techniques for different age groups and cognitive abilities
  • Managing time constraints while maintaining scientific rigor
  • Integrating cognitive interviewing with other investigative tools
  • Documenting and preserving enhanced recall information for legal proceedings

Research-Validated Outcomes

Studies consistently demonstrate that properly implemented cognitive interviewing techniques produce:

  • 35-75% increase in accurate information retrieval compared to standard questioning
  • Significant reduction in contaminated or false memories
  • Enhanced witness cooperation and satisfaction with the interview process
  • Improved legal outcomes through more complete and accurate evidence collection

Quality Assurance and Ethical Standards

The program emphasizes maintaining scientific integrity while respecting witness welfare and legal requirements. Participants learn to distinguish between legitimate memory enhancement and suggestive practices that could compromise evidence validity.

Training includes guidance on:

  • Balancing thoroughness with witness well-being and time constraints
  • Recognizing the limits of memory enhancement techniques
  • Maintaining ethical standards during emotionally challenging interviews

Properly documenting cognitive interviewing procedures for legal scrutiny

Testimonials

Mark’s training classes are a refreshing and engaging approach to gathering pertinent evidence during the interviewing process. Mark is extremely engaging and knowledgeable and presents the material in a way that draws the audience in.
Elizabeth L. Sherrod, CFE, LPI
Elizabeth L. Sherrod, CFE, LPICEO Sherrod Investigative Group, LLC Seminar Coordinator and Past President of the Knoxville ACFE
Mark’s training is engaging, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable, yet firmly grounded in the latest science.
Anthony Palmieri
Anthony PalmieriDeputy Inspector General | President, Palm Beach Economic Crimes Unit | Former President, National Guardianship Association
Mark has a myriad of law enforcement and public corruption investigation experience accumulated over many years that make him one of the highest rated instructors at the AIG Institutes. It is instructors of this caliber that help make the CIGI certification so valuable.
Stephen Street
Stephen StreetLouisiana State Inspector General
Mark Anderson is a vibrant, entertaining, engaging and knowledgeable speaker. The Jacksonville ACFE has had Mark speak at many of our engagements over the past few years. His style which includes stories, videos and audio clips to demonstrate points keeps the audience involved and leaves them wanting more no matter the length of the event.
Andrea ValentinVP Prepaid FIU at FSV Payment Systems (US Bank)
Mr. Anderson is uniquely qualified to develop and deliver interviewing and interrogation training to new and experienced criminal investigators, administrative investigators, auditors, inspectors, evaluators and other professionals charged with oversight, investigative, and law enforcement duties.
Robert RayDirector, Inspector General Criminal Investigator Academy
During Mark's tenure at the IG Academy, he managed or contributed significantly to the delivery of a majority of our training programs. Mark's expertise in investigative interviewing sets him apart. Mark is an outstanding and enthusiastic instructor who often received very favorable comments on his instruction and classroom management from both students and colleagues.
Angela HrdlickaIndependent Management, Security and Law Enforcement Consultant; Evernote Certified Consultant
I attended a training conducted by Mark regarding Ethics and Advanced Interviewing. By far, one of the best trainings I have received. Mark was engaging and knowledgeable on these issues. If you require investigations, interrogations, or interviewing training (to name a few) for your organization, I would highly recommend you contact Mark - immediately.
Julie HolladayInvestigator at TriCenturion
Our instructors are evaluated by the students who attend the Institute on a scale of 1 to 5. Mark has consistently received evaluations with an average score exceeding 4.5. He has been universally well received. He is an expert in his field and he delivers his lectures in an highly engaging, energetic and interactive way. He is certainly one of the highlights for our investigators during the week of training.
Philip ZismanJohn Jay College of Criminal Justice, Department of Public Management
Mark is without question one of the most technically qualified, knowledgeable, and dynamic trainers in the field of interviewing I have ever witnessed. As a certified trainer with nearly three decades of experience as an investigator, he possesses the hands on skill-set to present interviewing techniques in the most proficient and educational way thereby allowing the students to gain invaluable knowledge.
Tom CaulfieldCOO, Procurement Integrity Consulting Services
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FAQ

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Anderson Investigative Associates (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.

AIA offers training in human resources interviewing, investigative interviewing, audit/inspection/evaluation, leadership and communication, trauma-informed interviewing, cognitive interviewing, evidence collection techniques, and more — all customized to client needs.

Science-based interviewing 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.

AIA’s training is designed for professionals in law enforcement, auditing, internal investigations, human resources, corporate security, inspection, evaluation, and other roles where effective information gathering and interviewing are critical.

Yes. AIA specializes in fully customized training solutions tailored to an organization’s specific operational requirements, training gaps, culture, and investigative challenges.

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.

Some courses include Cognitive Interviewing, Counter-Interrogation Strategies, Science-Based Rapport Building, Strategic Interview Planning, Evidence Disclosure and Strategic Empathy, and Advanced Trauma-Informed Interviewing.

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.

Yes. AIA provides training tailored to human resources professionals for employee interviews, misconduct investigations, conflict resolution, and documentation practices that align with legal and organizational standards.

You can contact AIA through their website’s Contact page or by calling their office number provided on the site.