Cross-cultural interview training for investigators

Last week the ALLP research team led by Annelies Vredeveldt, Fenia Ferra, and Maria Shenouda gave the first round of training on cross-cultural communication in investigative interviewing, to a group of experienced investigators who work with interviewees from many different cultural backgrounds. The training was developed based on the findings of the ERC-funded research project Eyewitness memory in cross-cultural contexts. It consisted of online video’s, tailored readings and a face-to-face session full of interactive exercises. Topics included cultural differences in memory and trauma, cross-cultural communication, and cultural humility.

Through this training, scientific insights are transformed into concrete knowledge that can be applied by the professionals who interview people every day. The investigators were enthusiastic about sharing their experiences with each other and learning more about the scientific insights on cross-cultural communication. At the same time, the effectiveness of the training programme is researched through pre- and post-training mock interviews. As such, it provides both societal and scientific impact and promises to be a great opportunity for practitioners and researchers to come together and exchange knowledge and feedback.

Cross-cultural communication training in investigative interviewing

From left to right: Nynke de Jong (research intern), Celine Epars (research intern), Maria Shenouda (research assistant), Fenia Ferra (postdoctoral researcher), Angeliki Pantelidi (research intern), Annelies Vredeveldt (principal investigator), Annamaria de Giovanni (research intern), Merel van Amsterdam (research intern). Not pictured: Navid Adelzadeh (research intern).