How can an interviewer assess the credibility of a statement made by an interviewee?

Assessing the credibility of a statement made by an interviewee requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on the content of what is said. Evaluating the consistency, coherence, and corroborative evidence is essential to determine whether the information provided aligns logically and factually with itself and with other available information.

Consistency refers to how well the narrative holds up over time and across multiple retellings. If an interviewee's account changes dramatically from one instance to another, it may raise questions about their credibility. Coherence involves the clarity and logical flow of the statements; a credible account should be logical and internally consistent, making sense to the listener.

Corroborative evidence is the support that can be found through other sources, such as documentation, witness accounts, or physical evidence. If a statement can be verified through external means, it significantly boosts its credibility.

While emotional tone, comparisons to public opinions, and body language can sometimes provide context or additional insights during an interview, they are not sufficient on their own to judge the credibility of a statement. These aspects might inform interpretations of the interviewee's attitude or state of mind, but the core evaluating criteria lie in the substantive content of their statements and their alignment with available evidence.