Through lecture and class discussion this course introduces a more effective approach to interviewing cooperative victims and witnesses, as well as, subjects that may be being deceptive in the interview. It examines the principles of memory and the various approaches the interviewer may utilize to assist in memory recall. Practical suggestions are made as to how the interviewer should proceed when conducting an interview with additional techniques provided on identifying and removing emotional barriers to information.

This block of instruction will also explore recent developments that employ cognitive interviewing techniques for assessing the credibility of individuals being spoken to, and examining deceptive information provided. It will examine the concept of cognitive load and techniques that can be employed to increase or decrease that load.