Experts' Views on Artifical Intelligence-Based Child Chatbots to Train Investigative Interviewing Skills

High-quality training involving interactivity, spaced practice, and feedback is necessary to foster lasting skills in investigative interviewing. Technological advancements have yielded the possibility of using intelligent chatbots for interviewers to practice skills; but to be useful, such tools must offer quality learning experiences. In the present study, 28 interview trainers and professionals with related experience tested a chatbot for 10 min. The participants were then interviewed regarding the chatbot's utility. The professionals reflected on the learning elements and user experience. They appreciated the self-paced and reflective nature of the tool, including its ability to provide feedback. The participants' concerns–for the current chatbot and the use of AI in training more broadly–included the need for the tool to simulate learning goals and offer nuanced experiences and feedback. The participants' insights offer important considerations for the use of intelligent chatbots for skills training as the technology advances.