Minimierende und maximierende Vernehmungstaktiken: Risiko falscher Geständnisse und sozialpsychologische Wirkmechanismen

Anecdotal evidence suggests the use of interrogation/interview tactics in Germany that downplay the seriousness of a crime and the consequences of a confession (minimization) and exaggerate the available evidence and the severity of the consequences of denials (maximization). However, research shows that such tactics increase the rate of false confessions in particular. We argue that minimization and maximization aim to establish motivation in suspects to make a statement (intermediate goal), which should lead to a confession (main goal). This assumption is based on a systematization and differentiation of individual procedures of these tactics. In addition, the article explains the social psychological mechanisms of these tactics on confession decisions. This can help to scientifically examine the effects of such distinct tactics in a more sophisticated way and to explain their effects theoretically.