Investigative Interviewers' Perceptions of the Value of Different Training Tasks on their Adherence to Open-Ended Questions with Children

Abstract

Prior research has highlighted the considerable difficulties investigative interviewers have in adhering to open-ended questions in child abuse interviews. Although improvements in interviewing can be achieved by providing training that incorporates multiple practice opportunities and feedback, currently little is known about the way in which these elements are best administered. The current study extends debate and research on this issue by examining the perceptions of 15 trainee interviewers (police as well as social workers) regarding the relative value of various practical training exercises experienced in a recent training program. The findings indicated that although practice in interviewing was deemed essential, not all tasks were perceived to be equally beneficial. The two most favoured exercises were (a) simulated interviews involving trained actors playing the role of the child, and (b) self-evaluation of a transcribed interview using an objective coding protocol. A summary of the participants' perceptions is provided along with a discussion of the implications for trainers and researchers.

Key words:

• child abuse investigation
• investigative interviewing
• police training

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by an Australian Research Council Linkage Grant (LP0347170). The authors would like to thank the trainees who participated in this study.