Improving accuracy of EWT: Cognitive Interview Flashcards
what is meant by cognitive interview
- a method of interviewing eyewitnesses to help them retrieve more accurate memories
- techniques based on psychological insights into how memory worlds
what are the four techniques used in cognitive interview
1-report everything
2-reinstate context
3-reverse the order
4-change perspective
what happens in the stage ‘report everything’
witnesses encouraged to report every detail of the event as it may trigger other important information
what happens in the stage ‘reinstate context’
- returning to the crime scene in their head
- imagine the environment and emotions
what happens in the stage ‘reverse the order’
- events recalled in a different order to the original sequence
- prevent people reporting their expectations of how the event must have happened rather than the actual events
what happens in the stage ‘change perspective’
- recall the incident from another perspective
- disrupts effect of expectations
what is the enhanced cognitive interview
Fisher et al
-additional elements of the cognitive interview to focus on the social dynamics of the interaction
what are examples of enhanced cognitive interview
- when the interview establishes eye contact
- minimising distractions
- getting witness to speak slow
- asking open ended questions
evaluate cognitive interview in light of research
Kohken et al
-meta analysis combined 50 studies and ECI provided more correct info than standard interviewing
evaluate cognitive interview(weakness)
time consuming
- takes more time than standard police interview
- requires special training
evaluate cognitive interview(strength)
some elements may be more valuable than others
- two elements can be used to improve police interviewing
- report everything and context reinstatement produced better recall
