Criminal Psychology - Topic 3: Collecting Evidence

Question 1

Background Study - Fisher & Geiselmann

What did he do? (2)
To reduce bias?
2 Results?

Answer 1

He tested the cognitive interview in the field using a field experiment with actual interviews of real witnesses by serving Police detectives.

All detectives were experienced with a minimum of five years with the division.

To reduce bias:

• The post training interviews were analysed by a team at the University of California who were blind to the conditions.

Results:

• Strong support was obtained for the effectiveness of the cognitive interview in the field.
• 85% more information was obtained from witnesses to real events with no loss of accuracy.

Question 2

Key Research - Memon & Higham (Method/Aim, Conclusions)

Answer 2

Method/ Aim:

• review article which reviews the effectiveness of the cognitive interview and methodological issues in research on the cognitive interview.
• Research suggests the cognitive reinstatement stage when the witness mentally reconstructs the circumstances of when they saw the incident is the most effective component.
• Milne found that the context reinstatement gained as many facts as the whole Cognitive Interview in a mock witness study.
• Memon and Higham also looked at comparison interviews which could be used to see if the cognitive interview is effective.

Conclusions:

• concluded that the structured interviews is the best comparison because it has good rapport and no interruption which is similar to the cognitive interview but with no cognitive element.
• Overall they concluded more research was required to see if the cognitive interview is effective.

Question 3

PEACE Model

Answer 3

Step 1: Planning and preparation

• Plot events on a timeline for information retention
• What is known about interviewee and what needs to be established

Step 2: Engage and explain

• Explain purpose of the interview
• Reason, routines (e.g. recording of interview, nodding/shaking head is verbalised), outline, expectations

Step 3: Account – clarification, challenge

• Uninterrupted Account
• High use of open questions, summaries

Step 4: Closure

• Summarise account for mutual understanding
• Maintain professional style

Step 5: Evaluation

• Evaluate information obtained
• Aims and objectives reached?