The effect of using an interpreter on the accuracy of witness accounts gathered from police interviews
Research Institution / Organisation
The Open University
In Collaboration With
Centre for Police Research and Learning
Principal Researcher
Charlotte Gaskell
Level of Research
PhD
Project Start Date
February 2016
Research Context
Research aims:
- is to consider the effect of interpreters on the accuracy of witness accounts.
- To consider how different disciplines, psychology, translation studies, interpreting and forensic linguistics can be used together to better understand the effects on accounts gained via an interpreter.
- To consider why accuracy is affected and how it can be better managed.
Research Methodology
Research methods:
- Questionnaires: Qualitative analysis of views of interpreters and police on interpreter-assisted interviews
- Qualitative review of transcripts of interpreter assisted interviews: 5 from similar cultures to UK, 5 from cultures very different to the UK
- Mock crime: Interviews with witnesses in both English and in other language via an interpreter.
Interim reports and publications
Date due for completion
February 2022
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