Topic 3: Collection of Evidence: Memon and Higham (1999)

Question 1

What was the structure of Memon and Higham’s review?

Answer 1

Four parts: components of CI, comparison interviews, witness beliefs, and police training.

Question 2

What did the review say about context reinstatement?

Answer 2

Milne suggested it alone could be as effective as the full CI, but this was contested by other researchers.

Question 3

What were the criticisms of recalling from different perspectives?

Answer 3

It could confuse witnesses and lead to fabricated information.

Question 4

What did the review suggest about recalling in different orders?

Answer 4

Some studies suggested forward and reverse recall was better than two forward recalls, but this wasn’t consistently supported within CI.

Question 5

What was the critique of using a ‘standard interview’ for comparison?

Answer 5

It’s too variable to be a fair comparison.

Question 6

What are good comparison interviews for CI?

Answer 6

Guided Memory Interview (for cognitive aspects) and Structured Interview (for context reinstatement and rapport).

Question 7

How do witness beliefs influence recall?

Answer 7

Beliefs about what to report (everything vs. only certainties) affect the amount of information given.

Question 8

What did the review suggest about police CI training?

Answer 8

Two days of training by police officers, for motivated individuals, is the most effective.