In the realm of investigative interviewing, certain techniques can significantly influence the effectiveness of your interviews and interrogations. Among these there are many variations, one prominent one is asking open-ended questions coupled with nodding your head. Research sup
ports the use of these strategies, demonstrating how they can contribute to more meaningful and productive conversations that increase the elicitation of more information.
Open-Ended Questions: An Opening to Understanding
Open-ended questions are an incredible tool in any investigative interview. They allow respondents to provide a response in their own words rather than picking from a predetermined list of answer choices (leading questions), which can restrict the length of their answers​​. Pew Research Center elucidates the power of open-ended questions through an example from the 2008 presidential election. When respondents were explicitly offered "the economy" as a response option, over half chose it. Yet, when asked the same question in an open-ended format, only 35% mentioned the economy. Importantly, 43% of those who responded to the open-ended question gave a response not listed in the closed-ended version, highlighting the capacity of open-ended questions to reveal unanticipated perspectives and insights​ (1)​.
Open-ended questions are especially vital in investigative interviews. Investigators should use them often and allow for narrative responses from interviewees. Open-ended questions let the interviewer learn unknown information, develop other topics for further inquiry, and allow the interviewee to express themselves. After all, more information in any investigation is better than less information.
Nodding: A Silent Affirmation
While the words we use in conversation carry explicit meaning, our nonverbal cues also communicate volumes. Among these, the simple act of nodding can have a profound impact on the dynamics of a conversation. Head movements, including nodding, are integral to human speech. Casual observation reveals that both speakers and listeners use nodding as a form of backchannel feedback, coordinating it with other forms of gesticulation like hand and facial movements​ (2)​.
Head movements are sensitive to speech rate and affect and can serve several functions. Speakers use them to structure discourse, indicate lexical repair, and signal a turn-taking shift, among other functions​ (2)​. Furthermore, head movements are tied to the motoric consequences of speech production. During speaking turns, "the head moved almost incessantly," with nearly 90% of recorded frames showing non-zero velocity. This contrasts with relatively little movement during pauses and listening turns, illustrating how head movements, including nodding, are closely linked with active engagement in a conversation​(2)​.
Research has also shown that head velocity increases under stress, indicating a potential link between head movement and emotional states​ (2)​. Another study found that head movement was positively correlated with speaking rate for both normal controls and aphasics, with the highest movement observed for non-fluent aphasic speakers. This suggests that beyond their communicative role, head movements may also reflect the effort required for speech coordination (​2)​.
In conclusion, open-ended questions and nodding are a powerful combination of active listening techniques supported by research. Open-ended questions can elicit rich, nuanced responses, while nodding can provide nonverbal affirmation and indicate active engagement in a conversation. Whether you're conducting an interview, having a casual conversation, or engaging in a challenging negotiation, integrating these strategies can enhance your communication effectiveness.
Pew Research Center. (n.d.). Writing Survey Questions. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/methods/u-s-survey-research/questionnaire-design
Hadar, U., Steiner, T. J., & Rose, F. C. (1983). Head movement during listening turns in conversation. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 8(4), 214–228. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00987219.
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