Avatar Interviewers: Tireless, Dedicated Investigative Partners

• In Event: Fraud Detection Through Interviews
  In Paper Session: Fraud Detection through Interviews

Abstract

In this article, we provide a brief discussion of how avatars have been used in interview-related settings and specifically discuss some techniques avatars can employ to increase their rapport-building capabilities and maximize the amount of information that interviewees disclose to them. By avatar, we mean a virtual human, that is, a human-like character on the screen of the computer that acts as the interface between the user and the computer. Thus, it gives the computer a more human-like and social feel. Importantly, there is reason to believe that in some cases people may feel less apprehension and judgment talking to an avatar interviewer than a human interviewer. This may lead people to reveal more and higher quality information to avatar interviewers than they would to human interviewers. Regardless, automated avatar interviewers can help alleviate the burden and time commitment in the information gathering stages of an investigation. The advancement of graphical avatar technology is sufficient that fraud investigators need to at least begin considering questions such as these: Can avatars assist fraud examiners conduct more and better interviews with both witnesses and suspects? How can this technology be adapted for the needs of fraud examiners repertoire? How can an avatar help a fraud examiner work more effectively and efficiency? Our intent in this article is to whet your palette and prime your thinking to begin considering some of these questions.

Authors

• Richard G Brody, The University of New Mexico

• Matthew D Pickard, The University of New Mexico