Improving Accuracy of Eyewitness Testimony (Cognitive Interview)

Question 1

The Cognitive Interview

Answer 1

Recognizes memory is at best when retrieval is matched with cues at the time. There are four Components of the cognitive interview: Reinstate the context, Report Everything, Change the Order, and Change Perspective.

Question 2

Reinstate the Context

Answer 2

A Component of the Cognitive Interview. The interviewee needs to return to the context of the event, make mood or environment similar. Want them to recall the environment and where they were situated and what they were doing at the time.

Question 3

Report Everything

Answer 3

A Component of the Cognitive Interview. Talk about every possible detail no matter how irrelevant it may seem. Produce a lot of irrelevant facts but might get details that could have been taken out.

Question 4

Change the Order

Answer 4

A Component of the Cognitive Interview. Recount events in reverse order. Ensures the witness won’t skip details and may fill gaps in existing chronology.

Question 5

Change Perspective

Answer 5

A Component of the Cognitive Interview. Recall events from a different perspective. Think about what the other observer might recall and the order of events from their point of view. Witness only reports what they know as to not have to be imaginative and avoid inaccuracies.

Question 6

The Enhanced Cognitive Interview

Answer 6

Fisher (1987): Additional elements of the Cognitive Interview to focus on social dynamics. Things such as when to make eye contact and when to stop making eye-contact. Ideas of minimizing anxiety and distractions. Get witnesses to speak slowly and ask open-ended questions.