Cognitive Interview Technique Flashcards
What is involved in the component ‘report everything’?
Witnesses are asked to report every minute detail of the event, even information that seems irrelevant.
What are the four components of the cognitive interview?
Report everything
Mental reinstatement of the original context
Change the order
Change the perspective
Why is changing the order a useful component?
It increases the change that witnesses will uncover further information
How many hours of training do police receive on this intensive interview technique?
Approx 4 hours!! That’s hardly enough (ao2)
What is meant by ‘changing the perspective’?
Witnesses can be asked to recall the event from someone else’s point of view. For example from the view point of someone who was standing on the opposite side of the road to you.
Why can we not really measure the effectiveness of the cognitive interview?
Police departments use the interview components differently. We will never know it true effectiveness unless everyone uses it the same!
Why do some police departments only use one or two of the components?
It is quicker. Although all four components may increase accuracy of the witness it can take far too long when time is off the essence in a crime!
Why is a standard interview Different to a cognitive interview?
Cognitive interviews have no leading questions and no interruptions. They are also more casual and friendly than standard interviews.
