This advanced block of instruction equips investigative professionals—analysts, auditors, evaluators, fraud examiners, investigators, and inspectors—with the skills to effectively respond to questions posed by subjects, victims, and witnesses during interviews. Rather than viewing interviewee questions as interruptions or challenges, participants will learn to treat them as strategic opportunities to reinforce credibility, sustain rapport, and guide the interview toward truth-relevant disclosures.

Grounded in science-based interviewing methodology, the course emphasizes cognitive and strategic principles that support ethical engagement, including the Time Responsibility Continuum—a proprietary framework developed by Mark Anderson. This continuum helps interviewers assess when and how to respond to interviewee questions based on timing, investigative goals, and the interviewee’s psychological state. Participants will learn to balance responsiveness with control, ensuring that answers are appropriate, purposeful, and conducive to continued cooperation.

Science-Based Interviewing Integration

The course draws on key principles from contemporary interviewing science, including:
• Strategic Use of Evidence (SUE): Maintaining control of known facts while managing interviewee expectations.
• Cognitive Load Management: Responding in ways that preserve mental bandwidth for recall and disclosure.
• Rapport and Responsiveness: Using answers to build trust without compromising investigative integrity.
• Time Responsibility Continuum: A structured approach to deciding when and how to answer interviewee questions based on timing, relevance, and strategic impact.

Course Objectives

By the end of this block, participants will be able to:
• Recognize the strategic value of interviewee questions in investigative interviews.
• Apply the Time Responsibility Continuum to determine appropriate response timing and content.
• Deliver responses that maintain rapport and encourage continued cooperation.
• Avoid common pitfalls that derail interviews or compromise investigative goals.
• Integrate science-based interviewing principles to enhance truthfulness and reduce contamination.
• Tailor responses to the role and context of the interviewee—whether subject, victim, or witness.