NCJ Number
176280
Date Published
1994
Length
188 pages
Annotation
This volume explains the principles and techniques of investigative discourse analysis for use in determining whether or not the written text of an occurrence is truthful; the technique is used in examining lists of events, descriptions of processes, and transcripts of interviews.
Abstract
The text emphasizes that the persons who provide discourse follow the same internalized rules as they construct explanation, exposition, narration, or dialogue. It also notes that need to know the basic grammatical terms and recognize that sentences combine some or all of the eight main parts of speech. Additional sections explain the terminology used in investigative discourse analysis, the questions to use in eliciting a narrative, the determination of the central issue in a narrative, semantic indicators of deception, and the amplification of the narrative. Further sections focus on the analysis of discourse in the form of letters and the analysis of transcripts of interviews and interrogations. Case examples, exercises and appended answers, chapter reference lists, and list of 5 supplemental readings