Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST) Practice Exam 2025

What is the effect of informing an individual that they are being interviewed?

1. They may feel encouraged to share more

2. They might stop telling the truth

3. They could become overly defensive

4. They are likely to ask for clarification

The correct answer is: They might stop telling the truth

Informing an individual that they are being interviewed can lead to a variety of reactions, and it's important to understand how this communication impacts their behavior. When someone knows they are being formally interviewed, the situation can introduce anxiety or stress. This heightened emotional state might prompt an individual to alter their responses, either to conform to what they believe is expected or to protect themselves, which can lead to less truthful answers. This tendency to potentially distort truthfulness is often driven by the pressure of the situation. In interviews, especially if they are perceived as high-stakes or confrontational, the individual may feel cornered or defensive. Such feelings can inadvertently result in a reluctance to share genuine thoughts or experiences, impacting the overall truthfulness of their responses. Contextually, other reactions like becoming overly defensive or asking for clarification could also occur, but the key effect of informing an individual they are being interviewed is that it can disrupt their openness and honesty, leading to a higher likelihood of them not fully disclosing the truth.