From research to practice

Research must work in the field. I investigate how empathy safeguards decision-making and psychological stability in high-risk situations.

„My research demonstrates that structured, empathic interviewing approaches produce more reliable outcomes than pressure-based methods, while safeguarding the psychological well-being of all involved.“

— Dr. Bianca Baker-Eck

Research focus areas

Investigative Empathy

I have developed a model comprising five distinct types of cognitive empathy and validated it through field studies—including, among others, the interrogation of suspects.

A significant portion of my work is dedicated to the question of how empathy can be made trainable. To this end, I have developed a "Strength Scale" to render the quality of empathic interaction objectively measurable.

Statement Analysis & Information Gathering

In my studies, I analyze how the combination of empathic interviewing techniques and specific question types (open vs. closed questions) enhances willingness to cooperate.

I also critically examine German interrogation/investigative interviewing practices with regard to the dynamics of refusals to testify and of (false) confessions elicited under psychological pressure.

Investigative Interviewing Practice: VERITAS & Standards

I co-developed the VERITAS model—a standardized German interrogation model—and continue to optimize German interrogation standards through international benchmarking.

Cited in the Méndez Principles, I help shape the ethical standards by which 12,000 UN police officers worldwide are already being trained—expertise that I directly integrate into professional development programs to enhance your operational confidence and security.

Cognitive Empathy in Psychotherapy

In my current research, I investigate the mechanisms of action of empathy as a precise therapeutic tool.

I analyze how an empathic stance not only strengthens the therapeutic alliance but also specifically resolves emotional blockages, enhances memory, and thereby renders cognitive processing mechanisms accessible once again in traumatized individuals.

My publications

Baker-Eck, B. (in press). Empathy and Interviewing Techniques: Enhancing Ethical Standards and Efficacy in Investigative Practices and Directions for Future Research.In R. Alleweldt & B. Baker-Eck (Eds.), Tagungsbuch Vernehmungen, Polizei Hochschule Oranienburg, (Book Chapter; Springer). 

Baker-Eck, B., Gundlach, T., Krüger, H., Lauxen, T., Metten, S., Roll, H. (2026). VERITAS - ein neues Vernehmungsmodell für Deutschland. Die Polizei. 117, 67-80.

Baker-Eck, B., & Bull, R. (2023). How do German police officers of differing empathy levels react to different styles of interviewing a suspected sex offender? International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice. 74, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlcj.2023.100610

Baker-Eck, B., & Bull, R. (2022). Effects of empathy and question types on suspects’ provision of information      in investigative interviews. International Journal of Police Science and Management. 24(4), 406-416.  https://doi.org/10.1177/14613557221106073

Baker-Eck, B., Bull, R., & Walsh, D. (2021). Investigative empathy: Five types of cognitive empathy in a field study of investigative interviews with suspects of sexual offences. Investigative Interviewing: Research and Practice. 11, 28-38.

[1][2]Baker-Eck, B., Bull, R., & Walsh, D. (2020). Interviewing styles and empathy definitions in police interviews with suspects across Europe. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law. 27(3), 412-427. Bull, R., & Baker, B. (2020). Obtaining from suspects valid discourse ‘PEACE’-fully: What role for rapport and empathy? In. M. Mason & F. Rock (Eds.), The Discourse of Police Investigation. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Baker, B., Minhas, R., & Wilson, L. (2017). What you need to know about Psychology and Law: Factbook Volume II. European Association of Psychology and Law Publication.

Volbert, R. & Baker, B. (2015). Investigative interviewing of suspects in Germany. In D. Walsh, G. Oxburgh, A. Redlich, & T. Myklebust (Eds.), Contemporary developments and practices in investigative interviewing and interrogation: International perspectives. Routledge, UK.

Volbert, R. & Baker, B. (2015). Investigative interviewing of witnesses in Germany. In D. Walsh, G. Oxburgh, A. Redlich, & T. Myklebust (Eds.), Contemporary developments and practices in investigative interviewing and interrogation: International perspectives. Routledge, UK. 

Baker, B. (2011). Sex offenders. In J. Shaw (Ed.), What you need to know about psychology and law: A collection of factsheets. European Association of Psychology and Law publication. Retrieved from:

Baker, B. (2012). “Do Learning Disabled Sex Offenders have a Specific Victim Fixation: Type 1 vs. Type 2?” EAPL Conference Presentation in Cyprus: 1st place Award for‚ Best Student Presentation’ on‚ Victim Fixations of LD sexual offenders’.  

Collaboration on the following study: “Credible Accounts from Terrorists and Others” with Prof. Dr. Ray Bull (University of Leicester) and Prof. Dr. Coral Dando (University of Derby).


[1] This publication was cited in the United Nation’s document on “Effective Interviewing” which was released March 2021: https://www.apt.ch/sites/default/files/publications/apt_PoEI_EN_11.pdf

[2] This publication was cited in the United Nation’s Protocol for Investigative Interviewing for Criminal Investigation which was released in 2025: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/justice-and-prison-reform/investigative-interviewing.html

Associated and Affiliated with:

University of Lucerne, Switzerland
Polizei Hochschule Brandenburg, Germany
Dublin City University, Ireland
Implemendez
Plan4Risk
Monarch ISC, Inc.