A Serious Game with Avatar Suspects Can Be Used to Train Naive Participants in the Strategic Use of Evidence

We developed a serious game with avatars driven by empirically-based algorithms of suspect behavior to train participants in using the Evidence Framing Matrix (EFM), a component of the SUE technique. Ninety-six participants were allocated into four groups (i.e. Control, Training, Feedback, and Training & Feedback) for two interviews. EFM-trained participants used the EFM more than untrained participants in the first interview. Receiving feedback improved EFM use in the second interview. Theoretical training plus feedback made participants use within-statement (in)consistencies more to evaluate avatar statements. The results suggested the potential for using algorithm-driven suspect avatars in investigative interview training.