The Cognitive Interview Purpose

Question 1

Context Reinstatement

Answer 1

The witness is asked to mentally recreate the context of the event. This acts as a cue to put the witness in the same context as they were when they witnessed the event to help trigger memories. They are asked to describe the setting the event took place in, for example, the weather, the time, what they were thinking.

Question 2

Change the Order

Answer 2

The witness is asked to recall the event in a different order where they may have to give later events first followed by earlier events. This helps to verify the accuracy of their testimony. If they are lying or getting things mistaken they are unlikely to be able to recall the same testimony when told in a different order.

Question 3

Report Everything

Answer 3

The witness is asked to report every detail of the event. They are asked to describe all detail from important through to trivial so to reduce the chance any information could br ignored.

Question 4

Change the Perspective

Answer 4

The witness is asked to recall the event from the perspective of another witness or viewpoint. This gets the witness to think about the event as a whole rather than from just their view and so can increase recall.