Title: |
The Language of Confession, Interrogation, and Deception
|
Author: |
Roger W. Shuy
|
Publisher: |
Sage Publications, ©1998 |
Sage Publications
2455 Teller Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
$40.05 (h); $22.95 (p)
The simplicity and elegant analysis of the verbal productions
of individuals who try to get information from others is both helpful and
persuasive. It amounts to straightforward classification, sorting, and comparing
of questions and responses. The clarity that results is surprising and
refreshing.
This approach is relevant to any verbal exchange that may
occur in the course of an investigation or an interview. It would be possible to
apply it to an adult questioning a child and could produce greater accuracy in
understanding the meaning of what may be said. The author also summarizes the
ways in which people who question others can become confused themselves and
unwittingly change and alter the content of what is reported and subsequently
thought of as fact when it may not be.
The basic message of the book is that it is very difficult to
determine when deception is happening and when there may be simple
miscommunication. Human beings are not good lie detectors.
The final chapter briefly outlines what can be done to
improve the pursuit of clarity and increase the accuracy of interrogations and
interviews. This is a good book for anyone who is concerned with understanding
what may go on during an interview or interrogation. It should be useful to
attorneys, mental health professionals, and judges.
Reviewed by Ralph Underwager, Institute for Psychological Therapies.