Educing Information: Interrogation - National Intelligence University

name a few. These studies highlight the very complex nature of this problem and
the need for substantially more research on these moderator variables.
Promising Avenues
Alternative methods are emerging and merit study. Some research efforts
have started to explore new methods for validating information. They include the
use of probability theory to assess choice patterns, covert physiological sensor
systems to assist observers in real time, challenges to story construction based
on memory research, 41,70 and intentional distortion methodology to assess report
stability vs. malleability.
Limitations of Current Research Findings
To this point, this review might suggest that some practical means are
available to assist intelligence personnel in validating sources and information.
Unfortunately, shortcomings in the research designs that tested these indicators
dictate caution in relying upon these means at this point.
Motivational/Stress Problem
Most research subjects are relatively calm and undermotivated and do not
represent the populations of interest. In real life, any interrogation situation
is likely to cause high levels of physiological arousal and distress in innocent
and guilty parties alike. Individuals who attempt to conceal information in real
situations probably have a high level of motivation to deceive successfully. It is
almost impossible to obtain the same levels of motivation and arousal in volunteer
subjects. With the exception of field studies developed from real-world situations,
most of the research conducted to date entails little or no stress or true incentive
to deceive effectively: of 120 samples in the DePaulo analysis, 41 68 samples were
classified as using subjects who were under no stress. Researchers are acutely
aware of this problem and have sought to develop laboratory situations that entail
some degree of distress or arousal in subjects, but for the most part they have been
unable to sample behavior involving moderate to higher ranges of motivation
and arousal. It is not known whether these higher levels would result in different
patterns of response, although that assumption seems logical. 71
In most studies, individuals serving as observers/judges are asked to make
assessments that have little personal significance. This situation is unlike that
facing an intelligence collector, who would generally be highly motivated to
obtain information.
Sampling Problems
Subject Sampling
Research has not looked at enough of the right kind of people. Most studies
(over 80 percent) have used college students, while those in applied settings
generally involve incarcerated criminals. The resultant problem is obvious. College
students tend to be drawn from the upper end of the intellectual range, are more
likely to come from relatively affluent socioeconomic backgrounds, and are much
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