Interview Theory And Application

Question 1

Which of the following are questions that contain a suggested answer?

A. Complex
B. Leading
C. Closed
D. Compound

Answer 1

B. Leading

Question 2

In interviews, introductory questions are designed to meet which of the following objectives?

A. To establish the interview theme
B. To provide the introduction
C. To establish rapport
D. All of the above

Answer 2

D. All of the above

Question 3

In interview situations, _______________ questions are those worded in a way that makes it difficult for the respondent to answer “yes” or “no.”

A. Open
B. Monologue
C. Complex
D. None of the above

Answer 3

A. Open

Question 4

Which of the following is the BEST example of a closed question?

A. “What happened during your shift when you opened the store?”
B. “What can you tell me about the process of opening the store?”
C. “Were you only asked to open the store because no one else was available?”
D. “When did you open the store that morning?”

Answer 4

D. “When did you open the store that morning?”

Question 5

Freya, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) for Cole Inc., has conducted an examination into allegations of misconduct against Pilar, the company’s controller. Freya plans to meet with Pilar to ask her about the allegations and to obtain a confession of wrongdoing. Freya’s meeting with Pilar is referred to as a(n):

A. Confrontation
B. Custodial interrogation
C. Admission-seeking interview
D. None of the above

Answer 5

C. Admission-seeking interview

Question 6

Some of the most effective information-seeking questions are phrased as subtle commands.

A. True
B. False

Answer 6

True

Question 7

When a potentially deceptive interview respondent constantly asks the interviewer to repeat a question or repeats the question themselves, the respondent is usually just trying to make sure that they have fully understood the question being asked.

A. True
B. False

Answer 7

False

Question 8

To better prepare for the possibility that interview records will be subpoenaed, fraud examiners should document their notes for each interview separately, even when documenting electronic recordings.

A. True
B. False

Answer 8

True

Question 9

Abel, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), conducted an interview of Baker, the controller of ABC Company. Abel asked the following question: “Since you were here when the controls were developed, can you tell me how they came about?” This kind of question is called a ____________________.

A. Complex question
B. Double-negative question
C. Controlled answer technique
D. None of the above

Answer 9

C. Controlled answer technique

Question 10

Which of the following is the BEST example of an open question?

A. “When did you start working at XYZ Company?”
B. “You received a promotion last month, didn’t you?”
C. “Aren’t you responsible for reviewing time sheets?”
D. “Why did you decide to transfer to this department?”

Answer 10

D. “Why did you decide to transfer to this department?”

Question 11

In interview situations, a(n) _______________ is an orderly, continuous account of an event or incident that is given by a respondent with minimal or no prompting.

A. Informational response
B. Unprompted script
C. Free narrative
D. None of the above

Answer 11

C. Free narrative

Question 12

Which of the following is a good practice for taking notes during an interview?

A. Write down verbatim all responses given by the subject.
B. Make necessary additions to the interview notes within several weeks of the interview.
C. Avoid slowing down the interview process to take notes.
D. Record any opinions or impressions regarding each witness’s guilt or innocence.

Answer 12

C. Avoid slowing down the interview process to take notes.

Question 13

In interview situations, the process of observing behavior before asking critical questions is called:

A. Deception analysis
B. Kinetic analysis
C. Establishing a baseline
D. None of the above

Answer 13

C. Establishing a baseline

Question 14

When questioning a witness as part of a fraud examination, the interviewer should usually ask the questions in what order?

A. In reverse order
B. From closed questions to open questions
C. From the general details to the specific details
D. In random order

Answer 14

C. From the general details to the specific details

Question 15

In most interviews, more than half of the respondent’s communications with the interviewer are likely to be nonverbal, so the interviewer should systematically observe the respondent’s reactions to questions.

A. True
B. False

Answer 15

True

Question 16

Which type of question is used to establish the respondent’s credibility?

A. Assessment
B. Leading
C. Closed
D. Open

Answer 16

A. Assessment

Question 17

During the introductory portion of an interview, the interviewer must state the interview’s purpose in a general way. This is known as:

A. Providing the introduction
B. Establishing the interview theme
C. Establishing rapport
D. None of the above

Answer 17

B. Establishing the interview theme

Question 18

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Prior to conducting an interview with a subject located in a foreign jurisdiction, fraud examiners should research relevant cultural norms, including appropriate practices involving greetings, personal space, eye contact, and body language.

A. True
B. False

Answer 18

True

Question 19

For purposes of evaluating deception, illustrators can be defined as:

A. Motions made primarily with the hands to demonstrate a point
B. Verbal statements that illustrate a point
C. Expressions made with the face, the meanings of which are clearly understood
D. None of the above

Answer 19

A. Motions made primarily with the hands to demonstrate a point

Question 20

The verbal and nonverbal clues to deception are produced primarily by stress.

A. True
B. False

Answer 20

True

Question 21

Which of the following is a purpose of closing questions in interview situations?

A. To obtain additional facts
B. To reconfirm facts
C. To end the interview positively
D. All of the above

Answer 21

D. All of the above

Question 22

An interview subject’s intelligence level rarely affects an investigator’s ability to accurately discern behavioral clues during an interview.

A. True
B. False

Answer 22

False

Question 23

In interview situations, _____________ questions consist of a series of interrelated questions and frequently require more than one answer, such as, “What are your duties here, and how long have you been employed?”

A. Closed
B. Reverse
C. Complex
D. None of the above

Answer 23

C. Complex

Question 24

In interview situations, ___________ are questions that often suggest an answer opposite to the correct one.

A. Complex questions
B. Inverted questions
C. Reverse questions
D. Double-negative questions

Answer 24

D. Double-negative questions

Question 25

It is recommended that any witnesses who are considered potentially volatile be interviewed without advance notice.

A. True
B. False

Answer 25

True

Question 26

To avoid missteps when conducting an investigation that spans multiple jurisdictions or is international in scope, it is often a good idea for fraud examiners to consult with local legal counsel or company representatives.

A. True
B. False

Answer 26

True

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT a recommended approach to dealing with a hostile or argumentative respondent during an interview?

A. Attempt to reason with the respondent.
B. Make it difficult for the respondent to say “no” to any points raised.
C. Disarm the respondent by agreeing with their points wherever possible.
D. Avoid showing any kind of reaction to the respondent’s hostile behavior.

Answer 27

A. Attempt to reason with the respondent.

Question 28

Beth, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), is conducting a routine interview of someone who does not know her. In such situations, it is usually best for Beth to omit her title when introducing herself.

A. True
B. False

Answer 28

True

Question 29

To stimulate conversation during the information phase of the interview, the interviewer should ask:

A. Open questions that call for a monologue response
B. Leading questions that aim for a particular response
C. Closed questions designed to keep the witness focused on the intended topic
D. Specific questions designed to obtain all the information known by the witness

Answer 29

A. Open questions that call for a monologue response

Question 30

Which of the following witnesses should be interviewed by surprise?

A. Neutral witnesses
B. Volatile witnesses
C. Friendly witnesses
D. None of the above

Answer 30

B. Volatile witnesses

Question 31

When conducting an investigation, it is often advantageous to administer interviews with two or more subjects simultaneously due to the likelihood that they will denounce each other.

A. True
B. False

Answer 31

False

Question 32

In interview situations, ______________ is defined as a “harmonious accord or relation that fosters cooperation, communication, or trust.”

A. Rapport
B. Anomie
C. Active listening
D. Conditioning

Answer 32

A. Rapport

Question 33

A(n) ______________ interview is one that has the potential to bring about strong emotional reactions in the respondent.

A. Volatile
B. Evasive
C. Chronemic
D. None of the above

Answer 33

A. Volatile

Question 34

There should be two interviewers involved in a potentially volatile interview.

A. True
B. False

Answer 34

True

Question 35

During the introductory phase of the interview, the interviewer should avoid terms that could result in a strong emotional response, such as:

A. Investigation
B. Review
C. Inquiry
D. All of the above

Answer 35

A. Investigation

Question 36

Which of the following is a verbal clue of deception when displayed by a respondent being interviewed?

A. Comments regarding the interview
B. Oaths
C. Change in voice pitch
D. All of the above

Answer 36

D. All of the above

Question 37

Joan, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), is conducting an interview of Adam, an accounts receivable clerk for Ajax Inc. At the beginning of the interview, Joan asked Adam a series of noncritical questions to observe his reactions. Joan was:

A. Determining the witness’s equilibrium
B. Establishing an interview theme
C. Assessing the witness’s knowledge base
D. Establishing a baseline

Answer 37

D. Establishing a baseline

Question 38

Sari, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) for the XYZ Corp., is in the process of interviewing Alfred, a parts clerk, about a theft of inventory. Sari is unsure if Alfred is involved in the theft. In concluding the interview, Sari should:

A. Tell Alfred in an authoritative tone that he could be considered a suspect in the theft to emphasize the severity of the situation.
B. Tell Alfred that there is not enough evidence to consider him a suspect and therefore he is free to leave.
C. Avoid revisiting any previously discussed topics to prevent Alfred from knowing what Sari considers important.
D. Review the key points discussed during the interview to ensure she has understood everything Alfred has said.

Answer 38

D. Review the key points discussed during the interview to ensure she has understood everything Alfred has said.

Question 39

Which of the following will affect the behavioral clues that might indicate whether a person is lying?

A. Cultural differences
B. Mental illness
C. Drugs and alcohol
D. All of the above

Answer 39

D. All of the above

Question 40

Which of the following is a legal or administrative consideration that fraud examiners must make when preparing to interview a subject located in a different jurisdiction?

A. Whether the subject can be compelled to cooperate
B. Whether the use of any information obtained will be limited
C. Whether a legal representative must be present
D. All of the above

Answer 40

D. All of the above

Question 41

The proper way an interviewer should establish a baseline with a witness is by asking:

A. Questions designed to make the witness lie
B. Noncritical questions on background information
C. Questions designed to produce stress in the witness
D. None of the above

Answer 41

B. Noncritical questions on background information

Question 42

Maria, a fraud investigator, has arrived unannounced at Johnson’s office to conduct an interview. When Maria requests that Johnson take some time to talk to her about some issues she’s looking into, Johnson replies that he’s too busy to be interviewed. How should Maria handle this situation?

A. Stress that the interview will not be difficult
B. Explain that the interview will be short
C. Emphasize that his help is needed
D. Any of the above

Answer 42

D. Any of the above

Question 43

Prior to conducting an interview, an investigator should prepare a thorough list of predetermined questions and provide the questions to the subject in advance.

A. True
B. False

Answer 43

False

Question 44

When planning for an interview, which of the following steps should be taken?

A. Ensure that the interview is held at a venue where the subject will feel comfortable
B. Select the most appropriate member of the investigation team to conduct the interview
C. Contemplate what the interview is intended to accomplish and state an objective
D. All of the above

Answer 44

D. All of the above

Question 45

When evaluating a respondent’s behavior for signs of deception during an interview, it is important that the interviewer remember that:

A. Most witnesses can hide the obvious signs of deception
B. No single behavior should be isolated and no single conclusion should be drawn from it
C. The interviewer cannot legally accuse the witness of deception
D. None of the above

Answer 45

B. No single behavior should be isolated and no single conclusion should be drawn from it

Question 46

When establishing rapport, it is important that an interviewer observe a subject’s reaction to normal conversation to establish a baseline against which answers to more sensitive questions can be compared.

A. True
B. False

Answer 46

True

Question 47

Fraud examiners should generally conduct interviews as closely as possible to the event in question.

A. True
B. False

Answer 47

True

Question 48

Sullivan is conducting an interview with Marsha, a potential co-conspirator in a fraud scheme. Throughout the interview, Marsha continuously moves around in her chair and touches her hair, indicating that she is nervous and under stress. Based on these signs, Sullivan should conclude that Marsha is lying to him.

A. True
B. False

Answer 48

False

Question 49

Padma, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), is preparing for the interview phase of her investigation. When planning for interviews, Padma should do which of the following?

A. Obtain enough evidence to establish a subject’s culpability before conducting any interviews.
B. Review the case file to ensure that important information has not been overlooked.
C. Select an uncomfortable venue for each of the witnesses.
D. Gather all available evidentiary documents and bring them to the interview.

Answer 49

B. Review the case file to ensure that important information has not been overlooked.

Question 50

When conducting a routine interview, a fraud examiner should introduce themselves by stating their name, company, and title.

A. True
B. False

Answer 50

False

Question 51

Which of the following statements about electronically recording interviews is MOST ACCURATE?

A. Fraud examiners are always permitted to record interviews covertly.
B. Fraud examiners should document all the individual interview recordings together.
C. No jurisdictions prohibit the electronic recording of employee interviews.
D. Electronic recording devices can distract subjects and inhibit their responses.

Answer 51

D. Electronic recording devices can distract subjects and inhibit their responses.

Question 52

When documenting interview situations by taking notes, it is usually advisable to take too many notes rather than too few.

A. True
B. False

Answer 52

False

Question 53

As a general rule, the more intelligent the witness, the less reliable that individual’s verbal and nonverbal clues of deception will be.

A. True
B. False

Answer 53

False

Question 54

Which of the following is a category of informational interview questions?

A. Leading
B. Closed
C. Open
D. All of the above

Answer 54

D. All of the above

Question 55

When conducting interviews as part of a fraud examination, it is usually BEST to seek known information before seeking unknown information.

A. True
B. False

Answer 55

True

Question 56

Playing with a pencil while talking is an example of a displacement behavior for reducing nervousness that a subject might exhibit during an interview.

A. True
B. False

Answer 56

True

Question 57

Patricia, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), is interviewing a person whose truthfulness is unknown. Which of the following responses to questions posed by Patricia might indicate a deceptive answer?

A. “I just can’t seem to remember.”
B. “I would never do something like that.”
C. “Why would I do that?”
D. All of the above

Answer 57

D. All of the above

Question 58

Baker, a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), is interviewing Green. As the interview progresses, Baker can tell that Green is becoming uncomfortable at the sensitive nature of the questions. What should Baker do next?

A. Continue to ask sensitive questions.
B. Ask a nonsensitive question and return later to the sensitive questions.
C. Explain that everything said during the interview will remain confidential.
D. Stop asking the sensitive questions altogether.

Answer 58

B. Ask a nonsensitive question and return later to the sensitive questions.

Question 59

Which of the following is the MOST APPROPRIATE type of question for fraud examiners to ask during interviews to confirm facts that are already known?

A. Open
B. Narrative
C. Leading
D. None of the above

Answer 59

C. Leading