Cognitive Interview

Question 1

3 phases of memory

Answer 1

Encoding: memories enter brain through the senses and emotions
Storage: info is then stored in the brain
Retrieval: information is recalled

Question 2

a memory is composed of 5 elements

Answer 2

what we see, hear, feel, smell & taste
The more a retrieval cue has in common with a memory element, the more effective it is
Unable to recall all the info until we activate the right retrieval cue

Question 3

Memory has several access routes ..

Answer 3

Senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, taste
Emotions:
Associations

Question 4

4-step process to cognitive interview

Answer 4

1. rapport building
2. preamble - explanation of process
3. multiple guided retrievals (go through each sense 1 by 1)
4. specific follow-up ??? - 6 W

Question 5

MEMORY RETRIEVAL TECHNIQUES DESIGNED TO ELICIT SPECIFIC INFO FROM A VICTIM OR WITNESS

Answer 5

Physical appearance of suspects, speech, names, numbers, reactions

Question 6

SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COGNITIVE INTERVIEW

Answer 6

Do not interrupt the interviewee
Wait through pauses
Slow down the interview
Ask follow-up questions compatible with image or mental picture provided by interviewee
Have witness make a sketch
Instruction to victim or witness should include expectation that accessing memory is hard work
Breaks during long recall sessions
Consider taping the recall session
Ask direct follow up questions to obtain any info missing from the narrative