Cognitive Interview

Question 1

How is organisation used in cognitive interviews

Answer 1

1. Organisation
   The way the memory is organised can be accessed in different ways:
   . Series of actions e.g. first you did this, then you did that…’ until you reach the memory you cant access
   . Thinking about things related to the event e.g. trying to recall someone’s clothes, think about shops and clothing brands

Question 2

How is cue dependency used in cognitive interviews

Answer 2

2. Cue-dependency
   Memorise are context-dependent: use situational + emotional cues present during the OG encoding
   . Recall easier if the cues present at the encoding are there at recall
   . Can imagine them being present e.g. location, mode
   . Interviews should REINSTATE THE CONTEXT in which the memory was coded

Question 3

What are the CI uses for techniques

Answer 3

1. Reinstate the context -
   Go back in their mind to the context in which they coded the memory e.g. how they were feeling emotionally, what they were doing before the event
2. Change the narrative order -
   Ensures the details are not skipped and gaps can be filled e.g. ask witness to recall the event in reverse order
3. Change perspective -
   Asked to describe the the incident from the perspective of other people who are present at the time e.g. offenders point of view
4. Report everything -
   Report back any info about the event that you can remember