Linguistic Style Matching in Police Interrogations

• In Event: Police Interrogations and Investigations

Abstract

Linguistic style matching (LSM) refers to the extent to which conversational participants coordinate their language choices, usually subconsciously, with a greater degree of language coordination reflecting an increase in rapport. LSM has recently been the subject of analysis in law enforcement contexts, with higher rates of language convergence found to be correlated with positive crisis negotiation outcomes (Taylor and Thomas, 2008; Rogan, 2011). However, LSM has yet to be applied to police interrogations. As in crisis negotiations, building rapport is a fundamental aspect of the interaction between the interrogator and the suspect. This study analyzes the degree of LSM present in interrogations that resulted–and failed to result– in a confession. Using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software to conduct a content analysis, we measure rates of LSM and investigate whether LSM is correlated with rapport between speakers and interrogation outcomes. LIWC classifies lexical choices across 80 language categories, facilitating analysis of the latent function of language. Results of this analysis can shed light on whether LSM is a valid framework to apply to interrogations and, more importantly, the extent to which language strategies play a role in interrogation outcomes.

Authors

• Belen Lowrey, American University

• Brian Forst, American University