A03

• In support, Koehnken et al (1999) conducted a meta-analysis

  • of 53 studies and found on average there was an increase of 34% of correct information generated by the CI compared to standard interview.
  • However, most of the studies reviewed were laboratory studies and ppts used were students, therefore it lacks external and population validity
• In support Fisher et al (1990) demonstrated the effectiveness of CI in a police setting in Miami.

  • They trained officers to use CI techniques when interviewing genuine witnesses and found that it produced a significant increase in recall.
  • Therefore this gives evidence that the technique works in the ‘real world’ and not just in experimental settings.
• However, there are limitations to use of CI in practice.

  • Many police forces report that the technique requires more time than they have available and that instead officers use deliberate strategies to limit an eye-witness report to the minimum amount of information that the officers feel is necessary.
  • CI requires specialist training and many forces have not been able to provide more than few hours
  • Therefore, for these reasons the use of CI has not been widespread.