Konfrontationsprov

Konfrontationsprov is a term used in Swedish and other Nordic contexts to describe a structured confrontation procedure employed during investigative interviews or clinical assessments to test the consistency of a person’s statements with known facts.

In practice, the procedure involves presenting relevant evidence—such as documents, timelines, or testimony from others—and explicitly confronting the individual with discrepancies between their account and the evidence. The aim is to elicit more complete or candid responses, assess credibility, and clarify timeline inconsistencies. The method is usually carried out by trained professionals, such as investigators, clinicians, or forensic interviewers, in a controlled setting.

Konfrontationsprov is used in various domains, including forensic investigations, risk assessments, and some clinical evaluations where the reliability of statements is relevant.

Ethical and methodological critiques emphasize that outcomes may be influenced by interviewer technique, the subject’s stress response, and cultural or language factors. Critics warn of the risk of coercion, false confessions, or reputational harm if not properly regulated.

Legal and professional guidelines stress informed consent, limits on coercive pressure, and documentation of procedures and safeguards.

See also: forensic interviewing, credibility assessment, interrogation.