Overview

This self-paced eLearning course is offered by the Centre for Investigative Interviewing, a leading research and training hub in investigative interviewing globally.

Investigative interviewing techniques, and methods of teaching the skills of interviewing, are complex areas of science. They evolve from enquiry into human memory behaviour, evaluation of improved interview methods against agreed outcomes, and the establishment of mechanisms to promote organisational change in interview practice. Evaluation research using control groups and standardised assessment measures reveals that participants who complete this course are highly skilled in using a range of good questions, their interviews are shorter without loss of important information, and their skills are maintained well over time.

The course covers the ‘how to’ of gathering reliable and comprehensive verbal information from children. It is designed to assist professionals in situations where they need to gather reliable information and comprises of both practical and interactive elements including films with quizzes, and practical one-on-one sessions (held via phone/virtual) with a trainer. 

Topics that will be covered include the impact of various question styles, useful techniques for eliciting disclosures of abuse from vulnerable witnesses, and accommodating the needs of people with communication impairment.

Modules

1. Best practice guidelines

2. Defining the questions

3. Child development

4. Effective questions

5. Practice the right questions

6. Eliciting a disclosure.

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Target audience

Psychologists, psychology students and general practitioners.

Duration of access

Access to this couse is 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This eLearning course has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process and CPD Standards.

​Related training

The Centre for Investigative Interviewing also offers related training specific to interviewing adults. Learn more.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• define the various question types and the impact of each on the accuracy and detail of childrens’ responses,

• apply the best questions at different points in an interaction, and

• demonstrate adherence (in practice activities) to non-leading open-ended questions during mock interviews that have been tailored to the individual trainee's workplace.

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