The Cognitive Interview

Question 1

what is the first part of the cognitive interview?

Answer 1

• CONTEXT - reinstatement = mentally visualise yourself back in the setting of the incident

Question 2

what’s the second part?

Answer 2

REPORT EVERYTHING = all details from start to finish even if they seem irrelevant

Question 3

what’s the third part?

Answer 3

CHANGE PERSPECTIVE = recall incident from a different viewpoint - eg on the bus if you were at the bus stop

Question 4

what’s the fourth part?

Answer 4

REVERSE THE ORDER = recall the incident backwards & forwards in time

Question 5

enhanced how and who?

Answer 5

FISHER ET AL (1987)
- don’t distract witness with interruptions/questions
- witness controls the flow of info
- asking open-ended questions
- getting the witness to speak slower
- reducing anxiety in witnesses

Question 6

mental reinstatement rationale

Answer 6

recalling emotions & placing themselves back in the scene can make memories more accessible as emotions & context can act as cues for recall

Question 7

report everything rationale

Answer 7

recalling a small insignificant detail may cue memory of an important item & can also help make a complete version of events with other witness info

Question 8

change the order rationale

Answer 8

recalling backwards helps them focus on actual details they witnessed instead of a pre-existing set of ideas about the situation/location where it happened (schemas)

Question 9

change the perspective rationale

Answer 9

ANDERSON & PICHERT (1978)
- when Ps recalled a scene from the perspective of a house buyer & burglar, the details they recalled varied