Validation of the Forensic Assessment Interview Technique

Abstract

This research paper has examined the validity of the Forensic Assessment Interview Technique (FAINT). FAINT is a specific interview process - accepted and in current use - integrating the works of this researcher with the works of John Reid, Richard Arther, and Avinoam Sapir. The FAINT technique involves the evaluation of nonverbal behavior, projective analysis of unwitting verbal cues, and statement analysis. The fundamental hypothesis of FAINT is that truthful and deceptive criminal suspects differ demonstrably in their nonverbal, verbal and written communication, when asked to respond to a structured format of interview questions.

FAINT maintains that these differences are observable and can be quantified to allow forensic interviewers to make accurate determinations of a suspect's involvement in a crime. This research has examined the validity of the technique as measured by a traditional, unweighted 3 point scale and a weighted scoring system (an issue being researched in this paper) comparatively used for determining truth or deception. This dissertation reports the results of both scoring systems, as well as a comparison between them and the historically used Behavioral Analysis Interview (BAI) that was developed by John E. Reid.