The European Journal of Psychology Applied to Legal Context
ISSN 1989-4007 ISSN 1889-1861
VRIJ, Aldert et al. The effect of using countermeasures in interpreter-absent and interpreter-present interviews. []. , 14, 2, pp.53-72. 24--2022. ISSN 1989-4007. https://dx.doi.org/10.5093/ejpalc2022a6.
Background:
In two experiments we examined whether lie tellers, after reading articles about the Model Statement interview tool and/or about the verbal cues complications, common knowledge details and self-handicapping strategies, can successfully use countermeasures by adjusting their statements so that they sound like truth tellers. We also examined whether the presence of an interpreter affect these results.
Method:
In both experiments, truth tellers discussed a trip they had made; lie tellers fabricated a story. Participants were of Lebanese, Mexican and South-Korean origin. Prior to the interview participants in Experiment 1 did or did not receive information about (i) the working of the Model Statement tool and (ii) three types of verbal detail: complications, common knowledge details and self-handicapping strategies. In Experiment 2 the Model Statement Pre-Information factor was replaced by the presence/absence of an interpreter.
Results/Conclusions:
We found no evidence that lie tellers adjusted their responses after being informed about the Model Statement and / or the types of detail we examined.
: Countermeasures; Information gathering; Deception; Checkable sources; Plausibility.