Topic 3: Collection of Evidence Key Study

Question 1

What are the four key themes identified in the review of the Cognitive Interview (CI)?

Answer 1

• Effectiveness of components of the CI
• Relationship between the CI and other types of interviews
• Different ways to measure memory performance and how this affects results
• Interviewer variables and the effects training has on performance in interviews

Question 2

How did Memon et al (1996) investigate the effectiveness of individual components of the Cognitive Interview?

Answer 2

They interviewed students using cognitive reinstatement, narrative re-ordering, or changing perspective, and found no significant difference in the amount of information recalled.

Question 3

What did Milne (1997) find when comparing the full CI process to individual components in relation to the effectiveness of CI components?

Answer 3

Milne found that the full CI process was more effective in recalling information, except for the cognitive reinstatement group, which was as effective as the full CI.

Question 4

Which component of the Cognitive Interview is considered the most effective?

Answer 4

Cognitive Reinstatement is considered the most effective component of the Cognitive Interview because it helps the interviewee mentally recreate the context of the event, aiding memory recall.

Question 5

What is the main advantage of using the full CI process rather than a single component?

Answer 5

The combination of techniques in the full CI process is more effective than using a single component alone.

Question 6

How does the Standard Interview differ from the Cognitive Interview?

Answer 6

The Standard Interview lacks a standardized procedure, includes rapid-fire questions, constant interruptions, leading questions, and short-answer questions, making it harder to record individual differences.

Question 7

Why should the Standard Interview not be used as a comparison group in CI research?

Answer 7

Because research has shifted to focus on the effectiveness of individual components in CI, rather than comparing it to the Standard Interview.

Question 8

What is the main difference between a Structured Interview and a Cognitive Interview?

Answer 8

The main difference is that Structured Interviews do not use cognitive procedures, while CI does. Structured Interviews also focus on building rapport and allowing time for narrative descriptions.

Question 9

How does the Cognitive Interview compare to Structured Interviews in terms of information recall?

Answer 9

CI produces more information than Structured Interviews, but there is no difference in the accuracy of the information recalled.

Question 10

How is memory performance typically measured in CI research?

Answer 10

Memory performance is usually measured as a percentage of correct statements, though this approach doesn’t account for the amount or nature of unreported information.

Question 11

Why is it important to consider the nature of unreported information when measuring memory performance in CI?

Answer 11

Because the CI often results in more information being recalled than standard interviews, which affects how memory performance should be evaluated.

Question 12

Why is interviewer training important in the Cognitive Interview?

Answer 12

Because CI is more demanding than Structured Interviews, leading to a higher likelihood of errors. Proper training is necessary to improve interviewer performance and reduce errors.

Question 13

What did Memon et al (1994) find about police resistance to CI training?

Answer 13

They found that police showed some resistance to CI training, and that the effectiveness of training depends on who conducts it.

Question 14

What are some recommendations for training interviewers in the Cognitive Interview?

Answer 14

The recommendations include a minimum of two days of training, directing training at specific officers to ensure the best ones are selected, and assuming that good interviewers will improve with training.

Question 15

What is the current conclusion regarding the effectiveness of the Cognitive Interview?

Answer 15

More research is needed to establish appropriate comparison groups and suitable memory measures, and individual differences remain a challenge for researchers.

Question 16

Why is the “amount” and “nature” of unreported information important when measuring memory performance in CI?

Answer 16

Because CI often leads to more information being recalled than standard interviews, it’s crucial to consider the unreported information when measuring memory. This helps to provide a fuller assessment of the interviewee’s memory.

Question 17

How do individual differences in interviewers affect the effectiveness of the Cognitive Interview?

Answer 17

Individual differences such as experience, personality traits, and biases of the interviewer can affect the quality of the interview and the accuracy of the information recalled.

Question 18

What baseline measures are suggested for evaluating interviewer performance after CI training?

Answer 18

It is recommended to create a baseline score of interviewer performance before training and compare it to real interviewer performance post-training to assess the effectiveness of the training.

Question 19

What is the primary challenge for researchers studying the effectiveness of the Cognitive Interview?

Answer 19

A major challenge is accounting for individual differences among interviewers and establishing appropriate comparison groups to evaluate the CI’s effectiveness.