Publications

Publication details [#63254]

Maynard, Douglas W. and David Schelly. 2017. Tunnel vision in a murder case: Telephone interaction between police detectives and the prime suspect. Discourse Studies 19 (2) : 169–195.
Publication type
Article in journal
Publication language
English
Place, Publisher
SAGE Publications

Annotation

This paper explores an interactional form of tunnel vision or cognitive bias in a range of mundane police–suspect interactions. The data stem from a murder case in which the suspect often calls police detectives to inquire about his confiscated van. The paper points out the suspect’s use of a complaint-denial device to tacitly assert innocence. The police reply by centering on the complaint rather than the denial part of the device.