Cognitive Interview- Improving EWT Accuracy

• Overview

  Fisher and Geiselman argued that EWT could be improved if police used better interviewing techniques- recommending such techniques should be based on psychological insights into memory. Using these techniques collectively makes up the CI.
• 1. Report Everything

  Witnesses are encouraged to include every detail of the event, even if it seems irrelevant or they don't feel confident about it. Seemingly trivial details may be important and could trigger other important memories.
• 2. Reinstate the Context

  Witnesses should return to the original crime scene 'in their mind', imagining the environment and their emotions. This is related to context-state forgetting.
• 3. Reverse the Order

  Events should be recalled in a different order from the original sequence, this is done to prevent people from reporting their expectations of how the event must have happened. This helps to prevent dishonesty.
• 4. Change the Perspective

  Witnesses should recall the incident from other's perspectives which is done to disrupt the effect of expectations, and the effects of schema on recall. This is because a schema to a particular setting generates expectations of what would have happened, meaning the schema is recalled- not the actual event.
• The Enhanced Cognitive Interview (ECI)

  Fisher et al developed some additional elements of CI which focus on the social dynamics of the interaction. For example, the interviewer needs to be aware of when to establish and relinquish eye contact. As it includes ideas about reducing EWT anxiety- minimizing distractions, getting witnesses to speak slowly, and asking open-ended questions.
• AO3: Support for the Effectiveness of CI

  A meta-analysis by Kohnken et al combined data from 55 studies comparing the CI to a standard police interview. The CI gave an average 41% increase in accurate information. Only 4 studies showed no difference.

  Counterpoint- Kohnken et al also an increase in the amount of inaccurate information recalled. Particularly when the ECI was used; meaning the use of CI sacrifices the quality over the quantity. Meaning it should be used with caution.
• AO3: Some Elements may be more Useful

  Not all the elements are equally effective or useful. Milne and Bull found that each of the 4 techniques produces more information than the standard police interview- but found using a combination of report everything and reinstate the context produced better recall than other combinations. Confirming assumptions that some elements are more useful than others- which casts doubt on the overall credibility of the CI.
• AO3: CI is Time-Consuming

  Police officers may be reluctant to using CI as it takes more time and training than standard police interviews. For example, more time is needed to develop rapport to allow them to relax. Requiring special training, and many forces don't have enough resources to provide more than a few hours; Kebbel and Wagstaff. Demonstrating how the CI may not be a realistic method for the police force.
• AO3: Variation of the CI

  Police forces have taken a 'pick and mix' approach to various techniques in the CI. Meaning it is difficult to compare the effectiveness of different approaches in research studies. On the other hand, this approach is more flexible- meaning individuals can develop their own approach according to what works best for them.