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How Interviewees Determine What Interviewers Want to Know
David A Neequaye1,2, Alexandra Lorson3, Holly K Barnett1
1Department of Psychology, Lancaster University, United Kingdom.
International Review of Social Psychology
|June 8, 2026
Summary
Investigative interviewees focus on specific details when asked precise questions. Interviewee cooperation level did not influence information selection, supporting a question-specificity mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Investigative Interviewing
Background:
- Understanding how interviewees process information is crucial for effective investigative interviews.
- Prior research suggested two mechanisms for information organization based on question specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the mechanisms underlying information organization in investigative interviews.
- To determine the impact of question specificity on interviewee information selection.
Main Methods:
- Two conceptual replications were conducted with 318 (Replication 1) and 292 (Replication 2) participants.
- Participants' information selection was analyzed based on interviewer question specificity (high vs. low).
- Interviewee disposition (cooperative, semi-cooperative, resistant) was assessed.
Main Results:
- Higher question specificity led interviewees to focus on more relevant details.
- Interviewee disposition did not affect information item designation.
- Interviewees remained confident in identifying interviewer information needs, regardless of question specificity.
Conclusions:
- Findings support Mechanism-1, where question specificity guides interviewee information focus.
- Interviewee confidence in understanding interviewer intent is robust across varying question types.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate these cognitive mechanisms in investigative contexts.
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