The Cognitive Interview

Question 1

Outline the process of the cognitive interview

Answer 1

• Context reinstatement
• report everything
• recall from a changed perspective
• recall in reverse order

Question 2

What is context reinstatement?

Answer 2

• Mentally returning to the scene of the crime including physical environment and emotional state.

Question 3

What is report every thing?

Answer 3

All details, even if they seem irrelevant should be mentioned, triggering memories.

Question 4

What is recall from a changed perspective?

Answer 4

• Consider recreating how the crime would be recalled from the perspective of other witnesses.
• this provides a holistic view of events to minimise bias and disrupt schema

Question 5

What is recall in reverse order?

Answer 5

• Switch to a different timeline.
• eg. End to beginning
• this challenges expectations

Question 6

What are some pros and cons of cognitive interview?

Answer 6

✔️ = open questions, focuses on social aspects, less witness anxiety, builds good rapport.
X= officers need special training