Memory : The Cognitive Interview

Question 1

Whats the cognitive interview?

Answer 1

A technique to help eyewitnesses recreate the original context of the event in order to increase the accessibility of stored info

Question 2

Cognitive interview advs

Answer 2

• supportive empirical evidence - Kohnken et al (1999) conducted a meta-analysis combining 55 studies and the cognitive interview consistently provided more correct info vs the police interviews - average 34% increase (increases validity)

Question 3

Cognitive interview Disadvs

Answer 3

• contradictory research - Kohnken et al (1999) found an 8% increase in correct info but also a 61% increase in incorrect info (false positives where enhanced cognitive interviews were used as a standard interview, so while they produce more info, you cannot ensure its accurate, so all cognitive interview info should be treated with caution
• limited practical application - Kebbell + Wagstaff (1999) found many police officers didn’t use cognitive interview techniques in less serious crimes as they didn’t have the time and more training is needed for the police officers. It’s also not effective with children as they’re limited to an egocentric perspective, so are unable to consider a diffferent perspective

Question 4

Fisher + Geiselman’s techniques (1992)

Answer 4

• report everything
• reinstate the context
• reverse the order
• change perspectives

Question 5

Report everything

Answer 5

Witnesses encouraged to report every single detail even if they think it’s insignificant → details act as cues to trigger important memories

Question 6

Reinstate the context

Answer 6

Witnesses return to crime scene in there mind + image the environment → can help over come ‘encoding specifics principle’ (context and state dependant forgetting) as cues at encoding are present at retrieval

Question 7

Reverse the order

Answer 7

Events recalled in a different chronological order → prevents schemas from filling gaps in memory and prevents dishonesty

Question 8

Change perspective

Answer 8

Witnesses recall the incident from other peoples perspectives who were present → distrusts the effect of expectations and schemas on recall

Question 9

Whats a schema?

Answer 9

Bartlett (1932) theorised that our memory is grouped into categories called ‘schemas’ to organise things → they tell us what’s supposed to happen and may fill gaps in our memory (confabulation) and sometimes puts pressure on our mind to remember things in a way that fits in a schema - removing/ changing details

Question 10

Whats an enhanced cognitive interview?

Answer 10

Involves interviews ensuring the social dynamics are considered (Fisher et al (1987))

Question 11

Enhanced cognitive interview factors

Answer 11

• when to establish/ release eye contact
• ensure the room is free from distractions
• take steps to reduce anxiety
• have witnesses speak slowly
• ask open-ended questions