Cognitive interview

Question 1

What is a cognitive interview

Answer 1

Police interviewing technique

Encourages witnesses to recall in different ways to increase recall

Question 2

What did Geiselman suggest

Answer 2

EWT can be improved if police used better interviewing techniques e.g. cognitive interview techniques compared to standard interviews

Question 3

Outline the cognitive interview techniques/how it improves EWT

Answer 3

Context reinstatement - Encourages recall of details at the scene e.g. weather. Provides cues for witnesses

Report everything - Encourages detailed report. Provides cues for witnesses/detailed info for interviewers.

Changing the order - Witnesses recall in different orders. Prevents schema causing false answers.

Changing the perspective - Witnesses recall from someone elses perspective. Provides a holistic view

Question 4

What is the enhanced cognitive interview (ECI)

Answer 4

ECI builds relationship between interviewer/witness
Social interactions in interview can affect recall
Factors e.g. reducing anxiety, reducing distractions, open ended questions can improve recall

Question 5

Evaluate the cognitive interview/ECI

Answer 5

Evidence to support - Meta analysis - 50 college students - 34% increase using CI compared to SI

CI requires training/resources for police

81% increase in correct info/61% in incorrect info

Reductionism vs holism