Memory 5 | Factors affecting the accuracy of eyewitness testimony

Question 1

AO1 What is the cognitive interview

Answer 1

A method used to improve the accuracy of eyewitness testimony based on cognitive psychology principles

Question 2

AO1 Name the four main techniques used in the cognitive interview

Answer 2

Report everything reinstate the context reverse the order and change perspective

Question 3

AO1 Explain the report everything technique in the cognitive interview

Answer 3

Witnesses are encouraged to report all details even if they seem irrelevant to help trigger additional memories

Question 4

AO1 Explain the reinstate the context technique in the cognitive interview

Answer 4

Witnesses mentally recreate the environment and emotional context of the event to enhance recall

Question 5

AO1 Explain the reverse the order technique in the cognitive interview

Answer 5

The witness recalls the event in a different chronological order to prevent expectations affecting recall

Question 6

AO1 Explain the change perspective technique in the cognitive interview

Answer 6

Witnesses recall the event from another person’s viewpoint to disrupt schema-driven expectations

Question 7

AO1 What is the enhanced cognitive interview

Answer 7

An advanced version of the cognitive interview which includes techniques such as minimising distractions and encouraging open-ended questions to build rapport

Question 8

AO3 Strength research support for the cognitive interview

Answer 8

Geiselman et al found that the cognitive interview produced more correct details compared to a standard police interview showing it improves accuracy

Question 9

AO3 Limitation practical issues with the cognitive interview

Answer 9

Memon et al found the cognitive interview is time-consuming and requires specialist training making it less practical for routine police work

Question 10

AO3 Strength psychological basis of the cognitive interview

Answer 10

The cognitive interview is based on established cognitive psychology research such as Tulving’s encoding specificity principle increasing its validity

Question 11

AO3 Limitation may increase inaccurate information

Answer 11

Fisher et al found that while more correct details are recalled the cognitive interview may also increase the amount of incorrect information recalled