Credibility assessment in forensic psychology: methodological approaches, diagnostic tools, and interpretative challenges

This comprehensive review examines current methodological approaches, diagnostic tools, and interpretative challenges in credibility assessment within forensic psychology. The article provides evidence-based analysis of neurobiological foundations of deception, assessment methodologies including Statement Validity Assessment (SVA), psychophysiological methods, and neuroimaging techniques. Special attention is devoted to vulnerable populations such as children and individuals with mental health disorders, along with detailed coverage of diagnostic instruments (SIRS, TOMM, MMPI-2) and linguistic analysis approaches.

The review addresses contextual factors influencing credibility, interpretative challenges, and ethical standards in forensic practice. Future directions include emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality environments, and biometric integration for enhancing assessment precision. This working paper serves as a valuable resource for forensic psychologists, legal professionals, and researchers working in deception detection and credibility assessment.

Keywords: forensic psychology, credibility assessment, deception detection, Statement Validity Assessment, neurobiological foundations, witness testimony