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The Segmented Interview: Partitioning the Initial Free Recall Topics into Segments to Enhance Information Gathering
Haneen Deeb1, Aldert Vrij1, Mark Severino2
1School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2DY, UK.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 27, 2025
Summary
The Segmented Interview, a novel investigative technique, elicits more details and veracity cues than standard methods. This approach may improve information gathering and lie detection in interviews.
Area of Science:
- Investigative Psychology
- Forensic Interviewing
Background:
- Standard investigative interviews rely on free recall and topic-relevant follow-up questions.
- An alternative approach is needed to enhance detail and veracity cue elicitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate the Segmented Interview technique.
- To compare its effectiveness against the Structured Interview in eliciting information and veracity cues.
Main Methods:
- Eighty participants (truth-tellers and lie-tellers) engaged in activities, followed by free recall.
- Interviews utilized either the Segmented Interview or Structured Interview protocol for open questioning.
Main Results:
- The Segmented Interview yielded significantly more information compared to the Structured Interview.
- The Segmented Interview also elicited a greater number of veracity cues.
Conclusions:
- The Segmented Interview shows promise as an effective technique for enhancing information recall.
- This method may be valuable for improving lie detection in investigative contexts.
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