Improving the Accuracy of EWT: Cognitive Interview

Question 1

Briefly explain what the cognitive interview is.

Answer 1

1. Made by Fisher + Geiselman
2. Cog int suggests better questioning = better EWT
3. Designed for police interviews involving witnesses to enhance recall of event
4. F + G said recall = better w retrieval cues and created CI using sev psych principles on effective mem recall

Question 2

What are the 4 components of the cognitive interview?

Answer 2

1. REPORT EVERYTHING
   - incl every detail of event even if it seems irrelevant
2. REINSTATE THE CONTEXT
   - mentally recreate enviro in mind + emotions @ time
   - linked to CONTEXT-DEPENDENT FORGETTING
3. REVERSE THE ORDER
   - recall event in a diff chrono order e.g. end to beginning
   - prevents:
   
   • reporting expectations of event rather than actual
   • dishonesty
4. CHANGE PERSPECTIVE
   - recall from diff POV e.g. from perpetrator’s view
   - prevents effects of expectations + existing schemas

Question 3

What is the enhanced cognitive interview (ECI)?

Answer 3

1. Made by Fisher et al (1987)
2. Revised vers that incl social dynamics to CI to help build rapport
3. Involves:
   - reducing anx
   - asking open-ended q’s
   - eye contact

Question 4

What are 2 strengths of the cognitive interview?

Answer 4

1. ECI is supported by res evid

• Köhnken et al (1999) did meta-analysis of 50 studies
• ECI = more correct info than SPI
• indicates pract benefits of ECI

2. Some elements of the CI are valuable

• Milne + Bull (2002)
• said each comp = equally valuable + gives more info than SPI
• combo of REPORT EVERYTHING + REINSTATE THE CONTEXT = best for recall
• inc credibility of CI

Question 5

What are 2 weaknesses of the cognitive interview?

Answer 5

1. Time consuming

• takes longer than SPI e.g thru need to build rapport
• makes CI impractical, unlikely to be used in its entirety

2. May create inc in inacc info

• Köhnken et al (1999)
• 81% inc of correct info but also 61% inc of INcorrect info compared to SPI