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Interpersonal sensemaking and cooperation in investigative interviews: The role of matching.

Sjöberg, Mattias; Taylor, Paul; Conchie, Stacey

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Authors

Profile image of Matt Sjoberg

Matt Sjoberg mattias.sjoberg@durham.ac.uk
Post Doctoral Research Associate

Paul Taylor

Stacey Conchie



Abstract

The cylinder model of interpersonal sensemaking predict that cooperation emerges in interactions where speakers are matched on motivational frames and cooperative rather than competitive in orientation (Taylor, 2002). The purpose of the current study was to provide the first evidence of a causal link between motivational frame matching and cooperation and trust in an investigative interviewing context. Over two pre-registered experiments (N = 776), participants took the role of a suspect during an interaction with an interviewer. During the interaction, the interviewer and suspect either matched motivational frames (in an instrumental, relational, or identity motivational frame) or not, in either a cooperative or competitive way. It was found that within a cooperative orientation interaction, motivational frame matching led to significantly higher willingness to cooperate and greater feelings of being understood among the participants. In contrast, within a competitive orientation interaction, motivational frame matching led to significantly less willingness to cooperate and identify with the interviewer.

Citation

Sjöberg, M., Taylor, P., & Conchie, S. (online). Interpersonal sensemaking and cooperation in investigative interviews: The role of matching. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, https://doi.org/10.1177/17470218251348932

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 28, 2025
Online Publication Date Jun 2, 2025
Deposit Date May 7, 2025
Publicly Available Date Jun 6, 2025
Journal Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology
Print ISSN 1747-0218
Electronic ISSN 1747-0226
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/17470218251348932
Keywords investigative interview, interpersonal sensemaking, motivational frame matching, cooperation, cylinder model
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3933928
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and strong institutions

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

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