Oral Presentation: Developing a Time-Critical Questioning framework in a naturalistic environment

Title: Developing a Time-Critical Questioning framework in a naturalistic environment

Abstract:

There are numerous situations where eliciting accurate and detailed information is crucial to assess and neutralise immediate threats, but time is limited (e.g., escaped/released hostage, search following IED attack). Current approaches rely on asking a series of focused/closed questions, which does not align with best interviewing practices and can lead to critical omissions. Across two experiments, we developed a Time-Critical Questioning framework to i) align the goals between interviewer-interviewee; ii) facilitate recall; and iii) draw on effective questioning practices. In a laboratory proof-of-concept experiment (N = 111) using a mock-witness paradigm, we tested the use of instructions that maximise reporting of information of tactical value in a hostage-taking scenario. The results informed our methodology to conduct an experiment in a naturalistic environment, where 142 participants completed an escape room activity in teams of 4-5 members. Participants were then individually interviewed for 10 minutes with either the Time-Critical Questioning framework, an Open-to-Closed (Funnel) Questioning approach, or the Direct approach. Participants interviewed with the Time-Critical Questioning framework reported significantly more correct information of tactical value relative to participants interviewed with the Direct approach. Findings can inform methodological practices in applied memory research, and effective approaches for intelligence gathering operations in time-limited contexts.