C2 - Eyewitness testimony: The cognitive interview

Question 1

Cognitive interview

Answer 1

1 - Report everything (trigger other memories)
2 - Reinstate context (cues trigger recall)
3 - Reverse order (prevents basing descriptions on expectations & prevents dishonesty)
4 - Change perspective (prevents influence of expectations & schema on recall)

Question 2

Enhanced cognitive interview

Answer 2

• Focus on social dynamics of interaction (eye contact)
• Reducing eyewitness’ anxiety, minimising distractions, getting witness to speak slowly & asking open-ending questions

Question 3

Evaluations of the cognitive interview (SLL)

Answer 3

S - Research support for effectiveness of the CI
L - Some elements of the CI more useful than others
L - CI is time-consuming

Question 4

S - Research support for effectiveness of the CI

Answer 4

• Meta analysis by Kohnken et al combined data from 55 studies comparing CI with standard police interview
• CI produced 41% more correct info
• CI effective in helping witnesses recall info that is available but not accessible

Question 5

L - Some elements of the CI more useful than others

Answer 5

• Milne & Bull found each individual technique of CI produced more info than standard police interview
• Also found that combining RA & RC produced better recall than other techniques
• Casts doubt on credibility of overall CI as some techiniques less effective than others

Question 6

L - CI is time-consuming

Answer 6

• Police reluctant to use CI as it takes more time than SPI (rapport & relaxation of witnesses)
• CI requires special training, many forces don’t have resources to provide more than few hours’ training
• Suggests CI not realistic for police to use & better to focus on just a few key elements