Key Research: Memon and Higham - A Review of the Cognitive Interview

Question 1

What 4 sections was Memon and Higham’s research split into?

Answer 1

• The Effectiveness of the 4 Components of the CI Technique
• Comparison of CI to Other Interview Techniques
• Measures of Memory
• Quality of Training

Question 2

What is the aim of Memon and Higham’s research?

Answer 2

To review present theoretical and methodological issues that they believed needed to be considered when researching the cognitive interview.

Question 3

In Memon and Higham’s research, what were the findings of the Effectiveness of the 4 Components of the CI Technique?

Answer 3

• Problem with recalling from variety of perspectives is that there is the possibility it may lead to the witness fabricating data, and it might confuse the witness
• A study found it’s more effective to recall in forward order than reverse order
• Another study found no significant difference between 3 of the groups in this section

Question 4

In Memon and Higham’s research, what were the findings of the Comparison of the CI to Other Interview Techniques?

Answer 4

• CI leads to improved memory compared with other techniques
• Standard interview can’t be compared as is too variable between interviews
• CI interviews may elicit more info
• Guided Memory Interview (GMI) uses context reinstatement - could be a good comparison

Question 5

In Memon and Higham’s research, what were the findings of the Measures of Memory?

Answer 5

• Previous research looks at number of correct/incorrect details but fails to look at amount and detail about unreported information
• The ‘recall everything’ component in CI can be more effective as they are encouraged to report everything

Question 6

In Memon and Higham’s research, what were the findings of the Quality of Training?

Answer 6

• Previous training varied from reading from handout to 4 hours of training
• Research highlighted need for better training
• Suggested 2 day training programme and should be trained by potential (identify good interviewers first)

Question 7

What are the main conclusions of Memon and Higham’s study?

Answer 7

• Context reinstatement seems to be most effective
• CI cannot be compared to the interview effectively - use GMI or SI
• Future research needs to look at unreported information and not just what they remembered
• Officer training on CI needs to be improved