improving The Accuracy Of Ewt: Cog Interview ao3 Flashcards
Research support for the effectiveness cognitive interview
P: Fisher et al. 1989) examined the effectiveness of the cognitive interview in real police interviews.
E: 16 experienced detectives recorded a selection of their interviews, using a standard interviewing technique. The detectives were then divided into two groups. One group was trained to use the cognitive interview, while the other (control) group continued using the standard interview.
E: After training, their subsequent interviews were recorded and analysed. The trained detectives elicited 46% more information after their cognitive interview training, in comparison to the control group. Where it was possible to confirm the information, over 90% of it was found to be accurate.
L: These results support the effectiveness of the cognitive interview, using real police interviews and highlights the fact the Cl can be useful in catching and charging criminals, which is a benefit to society as a whole..
Research support for evidence cognitive interview actually works
P: One strength of the cognitive interview is the evidence that it actually works.
E For example, a meta analysis by Köhnken et al. (1999) combined data from 55 studies comparing the Cl to standard police interviews.
E: The Cl gave an average 41% increase in accurate information compared with the standard interview. Only 4 studies in the analysis showed no difference between the types of interview.
E: This shows that the Cl is an effective technique in helping witnesses to recall information that is stored in memory but is not immediately available.
Weakness - may not get good quality information from the cognitive interview
P: A criticism of the Cl is that its effectiveness has largely been in terms of quantity of information rather than quality.
EE: For example, in their research Köhnken et al. (1999) also found an increase in the amount of inaccurate information recalled by participants. This was a particular issue in the enhanced cognitive interview, which produced more incorrect details than the standard cognitive interview. Cognitive interviews may sacrifice quality of eyewitness testimony in favour of quantity of information
L: This means that police need to treat all information collected from Cls with caution. It does not guarantee accuracy.
Weakness - issues with practical application of the cognitive interview
P: Another criticism of the Cl is the amount of time and training needed to implement it.
EE: For example, more time is needed to establish rapport with a witness and allow them to relax. The cognitive interview also require special training and many forces do not have the resources to provide more than a few hours (Kebell and Wagstaff 1997). These limitations have meant that the use of the Cl in police interviews has not been widespread or effectively/properly implemented.
L:This suggests that the complete cognitive interview is not a realistic method for police officers to use and it may be better to just focus on a few key elements.
