What is the purpose of a control question in an interview?

The purpose of a control question in an interview is to identify subjects attempting to control their behavior. Control questions are designed to elicit a baseline response from an individual, typically focusing on non-threatening or irrelevant subjects. By comparing the responses to these control questions with those related to the core issues of the interview, the interviewer can assess inconsistencies or signs of deception.

When individuals are trying to manage their responses—often due to anxiety about being deceptive or being judged—their reactions to control questions can reveal discomfort or anomalies that might not appear in responses to more significant questions. This helps interviewers discern truthfulness and responsiveness, which are crucial in forensic settings.

Establishing rapport, while important in interviews, primarily serves to make the subject comfortable, rather than to identify attempts to control behavior. Testing memory can play a part in the interview process, but it is not the primary role of control questions. Confusing a subject is counterproductive to the goals of forensic interviewing, as it would likely reduce the quality of the information obtained.