Chapter 5 - The Psychology of False Confessions: The Psychological Impact of Interrogation Tactics on Innocent Suspects and the Decision to Confess

Abstract

The present chapter will provide a thorough summary of the psychological aspects of interrogation techniques and false confessions. After reviewing the Central Park Five case, the chapter introduces a brief summary of the history behind interrogation laws and procedures, as well as how the study of false confessions has evolved over the years. It then reviews some of the techniques that professional interrogators employ on a regular basis, with an emphasis on the specific ways in which they indirectly attempt to convince suspects that confession is in their best interest. Next, the chapter outlines some of the psychological and socio-cognitive processes that occur during criminal interrogations, which often affect suspects’ ability to perform and defend themselves from interrogators’ influence. It then will present an overview of specific factors that might put some individuals or groups at a heightened risk to falsely confess. Finally, the chapter presents a review of specific suggestions that interrogation scholars have proposed over the years to improve standard interrogation techniques and reduce the incidence of false confessions.