Science-based investigative interviewing is a systematic approach to gathering information from witnesses, victims, and suspects that enhances the quality and reliability of the information obtained. This method is grounded in principles from cognitive psychology, communication theory, and empirical research on memory and suggestibility.

When it comes to obtaining reliable confessions, science-based investigative interviewing prioritizes obtaining voluntary and reliable information, including admissions of guilt, while minimizing the risk of either contaminated information or false confessions. Research has demonstrated that coercive or confrontational interrogation tactics can lead to false confessions, particularly among vulnerable populations such as juveniles or individuals with intellectual disabilities. Instead, science-based approaches emphasize the importance of building rapport, using open-ended questions, and employing ethical persuasion techniques to encourage truthfulness.

Furthermore, science-based interviewing techniques recognize the importance of corroborating evidence and avoiding premature disclosure of evidence. Through the Strategic Use of Evidence (SUE) technique, the interviewer presents and frames the evidence to encourage disclosure, clarification, or confession rather than focusing solely on obtaining a confession. The interviewer’s goal is to gather additional information and/or evidence to support or refute the information provided by the suspect. This helps ensure that any confession obtained is based on credible evidence, not coerced or fabricated.

At its core, science-based investigative interviewing aims to maximize the accuracy and completeness of information while minimizing the risk of contamination, distortion, or confirmation bias. It recognizes that memory is fallible and susceptible to various influences, such as leading questions, suggestions, and cognitive biases. Therefore, the techniques used in SBI are designed to mitigate these factors and facilitate accurate information retrieval.

One fundamental principle of science-based interviewing is the use of open-ended questions. Instead of asking leading or suggestive questions that may inadvertently influence the respondent's memory or perception of events, interviewers are trained to ask neutral, non-leading questions that allow the interviewee to provide their narrative without undue influence.

This technique proves equally effective when interviewing a deceptive individual, as it elevates the cognitive load of the deceptive interviewee when prompted to provide expansive, rather than limited, information, thereby heightening the difficulty of maintaining a convincing lie. It is far easier to lie when questions can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Furthermore, by eliciting detailed responses, the interviewer gains a wealth of information to probe further and uncover inconsistencies in the evidence, ultimately exposing the deception of the interviewee.

At the center of SBI is the building of Rapportusing the ORBIT Model and the Interpersonal Wheel to build trust between the interviewer and the interviewee. Research has shown that individuals are more likely to provide accurate information when they feel comfortable and respected by the interviewer. Building rapport helps create a supportive environment where the interviewee (including suspects) feels more inclined to disclose information truthfully.

People are less likely to reveal sensitive information if they feel judged and disrespected by the person asking. Science-based interviewing, therefore, emphasizes nonjudgment, active listening, and empathetic communication. Interviewers are trained to listen attentively to the interviewees' responses, validate their experiences, and demonstrate empathy for any distress they may be experiencing. This helps foster trust and encourages the interviewee to feel heard and understood, which can lead to more forthcoming and detailed responses.

Science-based techniques often incorporate memory-enhancing strategies to further enhance the reliability of information obtained through interviewing. For example, interviewers may employ cognitive interview techniques, such as asking the interviewee to recreate the event’s context mentally or recalling details from multiple perspectives. Cognitive interview techniques have been shown to increase the amount of accurate information recalled by witnesses and victims.

Science-based investigative interviewing is a systematic and evidence-based approach to gathering information from witnesses, victims, and suspects. By incorporating principles from cognitive psychology and communication theory, this approach aims to elicit more accurate and reliable information while minimizing the risk of contamination or distortion. Using open-ended questions, rapport-building techniques, and memory-enhancing strategies, science-based interviewing helps enhance the quality of investigative interviews and increases the likelihood of obtaining reliable confessions.