Introduction to Science-Based Interviewing (SBI)
The introductory course to Science-Based Investigative Interviewing (SBI) is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, techniques, and best practices for conducting effective investigative interviews. This course is not just about theoretical knowledge but also about practical application. It incorporates various instructional methods to engage participants and facilitate learning, including lectures, discussions, class activities, videos, and role-playing activities. By the end of this course, you will not only have a deep understanding of investigative interviewing but also the confidence to apply these skills in real-world scenarios.
Lectures serve as the foundation of the course, covering key concepts, theories, and research findings related to investigative interviewing. Experienced instructors deliver presentations on preparation and planning, memory and cognition, rapport-building techniques, questioning strategies, deception detection, and the legal and ethical considerations of interviewing. Through lectures, participants gain theoretical knowledge that forms the basis for practical application in real-world scenarios.
Discussions are not just a part of the course; they are the heart of it. They play a crucial role in the learning process by providing opportunities for participants to exchange ideas, share experiences, and ask questions. Facilitated by instructors, discussions allow participants to deepen their understanding of course material, explore different perspectives, and address practical challenges they may encounter as investigators. This interactive and collaborative learning environment fosters a sense of community and encourages active engagement among participants.
Class activities are hands-on exercises designed to reinforce learning objectives and enhance participants' investigative interviewing skills. These activities may include case studies, group exercises, and problem-solving tasks that simulate real-world scenarios. By actively participating in class activities, participants gain practical experience applying course concepts and techniques, receive feedback from instructors and peers, and develop confidence in their interviewing abilities.
Videos supplement course content by showcasing real-life examples of investigative interviews and demonstrating effective and ineffective interviewing techniques. Participants observe how experienced interviewers navigate challenging situations, establish rapport with interviewees, ask open-ended questions, and elicit accurate information. Watching videos allows participants to observe best practices and learn from successful and unsuccessful interview scenarios.
Role-playing activities are interactive simulations where participants take on different roles, such as interviewer, interviewee, or observer, and engage in mock interview scenarios. Role-playing allows participants to practice their interviewing skills in a controlled environment, receive constructive feedback from instructors and peers, and identify areas for improvement. By simulating realistic interview situations, role-playing activities help participants develop confidence, refine their communication skills, and apply course concepts in practical contexts.
The introductory course to SBI offers a dynamic and immersive learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills development. It's not just about learning for the sake of it, but about gaining the knowledge, techniques, and confidence needed to conduct effective investigative interviews in various real-world settings. By incorporating lectures, discussions, class activities, videos, and role-playing activities, the course ensures that you are well-prepared to handle any investigative interview scenario that comes your way.