Investigative Interviewing Research Laboratory

Research at the investigative interviewing laboratory is conducted by Dr. Christian Meissner and his colleagues at the University of Texas at El Paso. Our research examines the social and cognitive psychological processes that underlie the interviewing of individuals in forensic settings. As such, our research has three primary foci, including (1) factors that influence eyewitness memory and lineup identification; (2) the detection of deception in forensic interviews; and (3) techniques employed in the interrogation of suspects and other non-cooperative individuals that lead to confessions. Generally speaking, researchers in our lab are interested in applying basic research in social and cognitive psychology to develop interview protocols and identification methods that will improve the diagnostic value of information obtained by law enforcement and intelligence personnel. Please feel free to explore our web pages and learn more about our research at UTEP.

* Undergraduate students at UTEP interested working in the lab should investigate our research projects and then contact Dr. Meissner via email.

* Prospective graduate students are encouraged to contact Dr. Meissner for more information about the laboratory and on-going projects, and to view the Legal Psychology Ph.D. Program website for information about our graduate program.

* Attorneys and law enforcement personnel interested in consultation on the collection of eyewitness evidence or the psychology of interrogations and confessions should visit the Outreach Information page and contact Dr. Meissner for more information about our services.