What might silence cause a suspect to do during an interrogation?

Silence during an interrogation can create a psychological effect on the suspect, often leading them to feel uncomfortable or anxious. This discomfort can prompt the individual to fill the silence by volunteering additional information in an attempt to alleviate the tension. The fear of being judged or the need to justify their actions can push them to disclose more details about themselves or the situation they are in. This dynamic is a recognized technique in interview and interrogation strategies, where silence is used strategically to encourage suspects to talk more than they may have intended.

The other options do not encapsulate this psychological aspect of silence in the same way. For instance, remaining completely quiet would mean the suspect does not respond at all, which is less likely given the context of interrogation. Becoming more defensive could occur, but it does not capture the primary tendency for individuals to talk more in response to silence. Similarly, while it's possible a suspect may request to end the interview, it is less common in practice, as the more typical reaction is to try to justify their position or provide explanations in an effort to fill the void created by silence.