Prior Newsletters on Disruptive and Repetitive Questioning have emphasized that this particular technique to ferret out lying is not for everyone. It involves a level of behavior on the part of the questioner that can feel uncomfortable. At the same time, research has confirmed its effectiveness in identifying what is truth and what a lie.
This is a worthwhile interviewing technique whether examining a witness at deposition or trial, interviewing a job candidate or verifying a claimant’s story about a loss. The purpose of Disruptive Questioning is to increase emotional pressure and “cognitive load” on those who are suspected of lying. In other words, make it more difficult for the subject to tell a lie and thus make it easier for them to make mistakes in their story and tell the truth.
If by now you have a sense about how to employ this strategy, the next question that may come to mind is when should it be employed? Disruptive Questioning is a methodology to help the interviewer take and maintain control of the dialogue when lying is suspected. Herein-below are some telltale signs of lying. When one or more of these are recognized, ask a Disruptive Question that breaks the interviewee’s momentum and train of thought and then watch for his or her verbal and physical responses.
Lying may be occurring:
- When there is a financial and / or emotional benefit to doing so.
- When responses to questions seem too pat and well rehearsed and when asked to produce additional detail, the liar is unresponsive or vague.
- When the liar is paying too close attention to the interviewer’s responses and looks for affirmation.
- When the liar is highly anxious and voice levels and movements change.
- When sincerity appears to be exaggerated.
- When there appears to be a mixture of truth and falsehoods that do not make sense.
- When there is a demonstration of classic facial and physical signs of deception.
Most liars prepare for questions that they expect to be asked. Disruptive Questioning causes the liar to switch their approach at an instant causing unanticipated cognitive load. This is when slipups can take place which manifest themselves in verbal and nonverbal ways.
Everyone’s personality is different, and this more aggressive approach to interviewing may or may not work for you. Give it a try, however, where you suspect deception, and see if the technique feels right. Don’t forget to take note of physical appearances and changes in behaviors especially as relates to what is being said at the time. Effective interviewing is an art; the more you practice and the more tools you put in your tool box, the better you will get!
Research North, Inc. (RNI), is a professional private detective service providing support to the business community, the insurance industry and individuals in Michigan and Wisconsin since 1981. The company also offers pre-employment background checks to small and medium sized businesses through a subsidiary called Backgroundcheckswork.com that is fully staffed by professional investigators who are retired from law enforcement.
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