The study aims to examine subtle topic steering, a novel research area in investigative interviewing. Subtle topic steering concerns how to elicit information from interviewees on a specific topic without disclosing one’s information objectives. In a new lab-based design the authors explore how active handlers approach this task.
In the study 27 active handlers were tasked with obtaining 15 specific pieces of information from mock sources, and to do so in a manner that did not disclose what pieces of information they were after.
In an exploratory thematic analysis, the authors identified three broad practices handlers used to steer a conversation in a subtle manner: topic steering by use of another topic; topic steering by returning to a previously discussed topic; and topic steering by using misleading information.
The authors note several limitations with the lab-based procedure and suggest ways in which it can be improved in future research on the topic.
Sometimes, interviewers need to mask their information objectives from sources. However, to date, there is little evidence-based advice on subtle topic steering. The current research provides an initial exploration of this field.
