Congratulations to Ragnhild Klingenberg Røed for her successful defense of her doctoral dissertation at OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University. Ragnhild's groundbreaking research examined how Innsikt.AI's AI avatar can improve interview techniques of professionals who investigate suspected violence and abuse against children.
Research Overview
Ragnhild's dissertation provides crucial evidence about the current state of child investigative interviewing in Norway and the potential of AI-based training to address identified gaps.
[Read the full dissertation](https://oda.oslomet.no/oda-xmlui/handle/11250/3154821)
Key Research Findings
Finding 1: Current Practice Falls Short
❗ **Real-World Analysis**: Through systematic study of actual child forensic interviews conducted by Norwegian police and child welfare services, Ragnhild found that best-practice conversation techniques are not consistently followed.
**Implications**:
- Inconsistent application of evidence-based techniques
- Variation in quality across interviews and interviewers
- Gap between training knowledge and practice performance
Finding 2: Critical Consequences
❗ **Serious Risks**: The failure to consistently apply best practices increases the risk that:
- Insufficient information is obtained from children
- Critical details may be missed or misunderstood
- Information quality is compromised
- Legal decisions lack necessary evidentiary foundation
**Impact on Justice**:
- Children's disclosures may not be properly documented
- Prosecutorial decisions based on incomplete information
- Potential for miscarriages of justice in both directions
- Child protection decisions lacking full picture
Finding 3: AI Training Shows Promise
✅ **Effective Solution**: AI avatar with integrated individual feedback is a promising training tool for realistic and cost-effective skills training.
**Research Evidence**:
- Realistic practice environment improves learning outcomes
- Individualized feedback accelerates skill development
- Cost-effective delivery enables widespread access
- Scalable solution addresses systemic training gaps
Research Methodology
Ragnhild's research employed rigorous methodology to ensure valid, reliable findings:
Analysis of Real Interviews
- Systematic examination of actual child forensic interviews
- Coding of interviewer techniques against best-practice standards
- Identification of patterns in technique application
- Documentation of gaps between training and practice
Evaluation of AI Training
- Assessment of AI avatar realism and effectiveness
- Measurement of skill development through training
- Analysis of feedback quality and relevance
- Comparison with traditional training approaches
Multi-Method Approach
- Quantitative analysis of interview techniques
- Qualitative examination of interview quality
- Experimental evaluation of training effectiveness
- Triangulation of findings across methods
Significance for Child Protection
This research has profound implications for child protection systems:
Evidence-Based Training Need
The gap between best practice and actual performance demonstrates urgent need for more effective training approaches that bridge the knowing-doing gap.
Quality Assurance Imperative
Findings highlight the necessity of ongoing quality assurance in child investigative interviewing, not just initial training.
Technology as Solution
Research validates AI-based training as effective tool for addressing identified gaps in systematic, scalable way.
Child Rights Focus
Ultimately, this research is about ensuring children's right to be heard and their information to be accurately documented and appropriately acted upon.
Implications for Innsikt.AI
Ragnhild's research provides robust evidence foundation for Innsikt.AI's platform:
Validation of Approach
Scientific evidence that AI avatar training effectively improves interview skills validates our core methodology.
Identification of Need
Documentation of current practice gaps demonstrates clear, urgent need for improved training solutions.
Evidence-Based Development
Research findings guide ongoing refinement of our training platform to address specific identified weaknesses.
Credibility with Stakeholders
Peer-reviewed research enhances credibility with potential users, funders, and policymakers.
The Research Team
This work represents collaboration between leading institutions:
Academic Institutions
- **OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University**: Primary research institution
- **Simula Metropolitan Center for Digital Engineering**: Technology development partner
Research Leadership
- **Ragnhild Klingenberg Røed**: Doctoral candidate and primary researcher
- **Gunn Astrid Baugerud**: Supervisor and Innsikt.AI founder
- **Pål Halvorsen**: Co-supervisor and technical advisor
Broader Research Context
This dissertation is part of larger research program examining AI applications in child welfare and criminal justice:
ILMA Project
Ragnhild's work builds on the ILMA project (Interactive Learning with Multi-modal Avatars), which developed the foundational technology for Innsikt.AI's platform.
Continued Research
Ongoing studies are examining:
- Long-term retention of skills learned through AI training
- Transfer of skills from practice to real interviews
- Optimal training protocols and frequencies
- Integration with existing training curricula
Access the Research
The full dissertation is available open access:
- [Read online at ODA - OsloMet Digital Archive](https://oda.oslomet.no/oda-xmlui/handle/11250/3154821)
- Comprehensive literature review
- Detailed methodology
- Complete findings and analysis
- Implications for policy and practice
Recognition and Impact
This successful defense represents:
- Validation of AI-based training approach through rigorous research
- Contribution to evidence base for child investigative interviewing
- Support for policy changes in professional development
- Foundation for continued innovation in training technology
Looking Forward
Building on this research, Innsikt.AI will:
- Incorporate findings into platform refinements
- Expand research collaborations
- Pursue additional validation studies
- Disseminate findings to practitioners and policymakers
- Continue bridging research-practice gap
Congratulations again to Dr. Ragnhild Klingenberg Røed on this significant achievement!
#PhDDefense #ChildProtection #ResearchImpact #InterviewTraining #EvidenceBasedPractice #ChildRights