NCJ Number
222579
Journal
International Journal of Police Science and Management Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2008 Pages: 101-118
Date Published
2008
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This paper presents a brief overview of the Behavioral Analysis Interview (BAI), a discussion of the strengths and limitations of the current body of BAI research, and suggestions on how to improve research on the BAI in the future.
Abstract
The Behavioral Analysis Interview (BAI) is the only questioning method that has been developed specifically to help investigators sort those who are likely to be guilty from those who are not. In its typical application the BAI is a preinterrogation interview that is used to focus interrogational effort. However, it can be used independently in order to circumscribe investigative efforts in those cases in which there are a fixed and relatively large number of suspects. The BAI is typically conducted in a private setting with the interviewer sitting directly in front of the suspect. This paper is intended to present an overview of the BAI and the research which supports it so that practitioners and researchers will not be misled by findings that have little, if any, ecological validity. What is identified is a clear need for additional evaluations of the BAI, both field- and laboratory-based with well-designed laboratory studies providing useful information. Additional suggestions are provided to guide future research on the BAI. References