University of Twente Student Theses
Exploring the Effects of (Multiple) Errors on the Willingness to Provide Information in Suspect Interviews
Dignath, L.J. (2024) Exploring the Effects of (Multiple) Errors on the Willingness to Provide Information in Suspect Interviews.
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| Abstract: | This study investigates the effect of multiple errors on the willingness to provide information in a suspect interview. Moreover, it aimed to find out if a threat to the ego mediates the relationship between making a judgment error and the willingness to provide information. Finally, the research aimed to find information about how an apology influences the suspect. We expected that more errors would increase the willingness to provide information. Earlier research has shown that making errors can influence the suspect interview in both ways, positively or negatively. To investigate this we used a mixed-method design. In total, 36 participants were asked to participate in a mock crime scenario in which they played a crime suspect and were interviewed by an interviewer. In the interview, either no errors, one or five errors were made. The analysis of the results showed no significant effects of errors on the willingness to provide information. Moreover, the ego threat did not seem to affect the willingness to provide information. Lastly, an apology seemed to positively influence the suspect's relationship towards the interviewer. However, it did not positively influence the willingness to provide information. This research is one of the first to study the influence of errors using a mock crime scenario and interview. It can be used for future research to improve the study and implement new methods for the mock crime interview. Next to this, the results can be used to understand and improve suspect interview strategies. Moreover, the results from the qualitative analysis can be used as a foundation for further research into the effect of apologies on the feelings and willingness to provide information. Keywords: suspect interview, police, communication errors, willingness to provide information, apology |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/100154 |
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