Handling evasive responses

Definition

Handling evasive responses refers to the techniques and strategies used by investigators to manage situations where interview subjects provide unclear, indirect, or misleading answers. This involves recognizing when someone is being evasive, adapting questioning methods accordingly, and maintaining the flow of the interview to extract valuable information. Effective handling of such responses is crucial for ensuring that interviews remain productive and informative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Evasive responses can stem from various reasons, including fear, uncertainty, or a desire to manipulate the narrative, so it's important to understand the context behind them.
2. One effective way to handle evasive responses is to rephrase questions or provide specific examples that may help the interviewee feel more comfortable answering directly.
3. Establishing rapport with the interviewee prior to questioning can significantly reduce the chances of receiving evasive responses.
4. Identifying patterns in a respondent's behavior or answers over time can assist in pinpointing when they are being evasive and help strategize how to address it.
5. A skilled interviewer remains patient and persistent, recognizing that navigating evasive responses is often a necessary part of gathering accurate information.

Review Questions

• How can active listening improve an investigator's ability to handle evasive responses during interviews?
  • Active listening enhances an investigator's ability to handle evasive responses by allowing them to pick up on verbal and non-verbal cues that indicate when an interviewee is avoiding direct answers. By fully engaging with what the person is saying, investigators can identify inconsistencies or areas that require further clarification. This technique also fosters a supportive environment that may encourage the interviewee to open up and respond more directly.
• What are some effective techniques for rephrasing questions to deal with evasive responses, and why do they work?
  • Rephrasing questions can involve breaking them down into simpler parts or framing them in a way that prompts specific details. For example, instead of asking a broad question like 'What happened?', one might ask 'Can you describe where you were at 3 PM on Tuesday?'. This technique works because it narrows the focus and reduces the pressure on the interviewee, making it easier for them to provide direct answers while still allowing for thorough exploration of their responses.
• Evaluate the impact of building rapport on managing evasive responses during investigative interviews.
  • Building rapport significantly impacts the management of evasive responses as it creates an atmosphere of trust and safety between the investigator and the interviewee. When individuals feel comfortable and valued, they are more likely to provide honest and straightforward answers rather than resorting to evasion. Rapport-building strategies may include showing empathy, maintaining eye contact, and using open body language. Ultimately, strong rapport not only facilitates better communication but also enhances the likelihood of obtaining critical information needed for investigations.

Related terms

Active Listening: A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the interviewee says, which helps in identifying evasive responses.

Follow-up Questions: Questions that are posed after an initial response to clarify or probe deeper into the subject matter, which can help address evasiveness.

Body Language Cues: Non-verbal signals that can indicate discomfort or dishonesty in a respondent's answers, aiding in the assessment of evasiveness.