Using disclosure, common ground, and verification to build rapport and elicit information.

Abstract

Rapport-based approaches have become a central tenet of investigative interviewing with suspects and sources. Here we explored the utility of using rapport-building tactics (i.e., self-disclosure and interviewer feedback) to overcome barriers to cooperation in the interviewing domain. Across two experiments using the illegal behaviors paradigm (Dianiska et al., 2019), participants completed a checklist of illegal behaviors and were then interviewed about their background and interests (the interpersonal interview) as well as about their prior participation in an illegal act (the illegal behavior interview). During the interpersonal interview, we manipulated whether the participant’s disclosure was unilateral or reciprocal (Experiment 1; N = 124), and whether the interviewer self-disclosed and/or provided the participant with verifying feedback in response to the participant’s disclosures (Experiment 2; N = 210). Participants were then asked to provide a statement about the most serious illegal behavior to which they had admitted. For both experiments, participants provided more information about the prior illegal act when the interviewer provided information about themselves. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the amount of information elicited from the participant when the interviewer highlighted similarity with the participant. In line with prior work, we found support for an indirect relationship between the use of rapport-building tactics and disclosure that was mediated by the participant’s perception of rapport and their decision to cooperate.

Evaluating the benefits of a rapport-based approach to investigative interviews: A training study with law enforcement investigators.

“…Prior research has suggested that rapport tactics are most likely to directly influence perceptions of rapport with the interviewer, and to indirectly influence measures of cooperation and information disclosure (see Brimbal, Dianiska, et al, 2019; Dianiska et al, 2020). A mediated model was estimated to test the indirect effect of training and the use of rapport-building tactics on cooperation and disclosure using Mplus Version 8 (Muthén & Muthén, 2017).…”

“…Rapport is likely not the only means by which interviewers could overcome resistance and increase information yield. For example, contextual factors that are independent of an interviewer’s tactics can influence the reporting of information by interview subjects (Dawson et al, 2017; Dianiska et al, 2020). We encourage further research that examines the psychological mechanisms by which cooperation can lead to information disclosure in investigative interviews.…”

“…Relational techniques generally attempt to build rapport by facilitating a relationship between the interviewer and subject through the exchange and validation of personal information. For example, self-disclosure on the part of the interviewer can increase rapport, while prompting self-disclosure from the individual (Dianiska et al, 2020; Goodman-Delahunty et al, 2014). Highlighting similarities between themselves and the subject (Brimbal, Dianiska, et al, 2019) or offering affirmations (shining a positive light on an individual’s self-esteem by underlining positive aspects of their identity) or verifications (displays of an accurate understanding of the individual’s self-concept -whether positive or negative) can also increase rapport (Davis et al, 2016; Dianiska et al, 2020).…”

“…For example, self-disclosure on the part of the interviewer can increase rapport, while prompting self-disclosure from the individual (Dianiska et al, 2020; Goodman-Delahunty et al, 2014). Highlighting similarities between themselves and the subject (Brimbal, Dianiska, et al, 2019) or offering affirmations (shining a positive light on an individual’s self-esteem by underlining positive aspects of their identity) or verifications (displays of an accurate understanding of the individual’s self-concept -whether positive or negative) can also increase rapport (Davis et al, 2016; Dianiska et al, 2020). Trust tactics that engage reciprocity, such as offering a bottle of water or food (Matsumoto & Hwang, 2018) or providing information or assistance to someone (Brimbal, Kleinman, et al, 2019); can increase the elicitation of information through increased perceptions of trust.…”

“…Brimbal, Dianiska, et al, 2019; Kelly et al, 2016). Certain interview tactics directly increase the disclosure of information—for example, elements of the Cognitive Interview, such as context reinstatement instructions, can directly increase the amount of information provided by an individual (Dianiska et al, 2020; Memon et al, 2010). However, rapport and trust-building tactics are less likely to directly influence information disclosure; instead, such tactics influence a subject’s willingness to cooperate with an interviewer’s questioning.…”