What is the effect of emotional distress on a person's interrogation experience?

Emotional distress can significantly impact a person's ability to process information and respond during an interrogation. When individuals experience heightened levels of stress or anxiety, their cognitive functions may become impaired, leading to difficulty in articulating thoughts clearly and logically. This can result in irrational answers, as the emotional turmoil can cloud judgment and decision-making abilities. In such states, individuals may respond impulsively or with confusion, which does not accurately represent their knowledge or intent.

This phenomenon can affect the reliability of the information provided, as the stress may provoke responses that are not based on reasoned thought but rather emotional reactions to the situation. Therefore, the statement that emotional distress may lead to irrational answers aligns with how distress affects cognitive functioning during interrogations.