A01

• what is the cognitive interview

  The cognitive interview is a method of interviewing eyewitnesses, which is thought to be particularly effective in increasing the rates of accurate recall, by considering the theories discussed previously
• 1. report everything

  Even seemingly insignificant details may be important or trigger the recall of larger events, by acting as a ‘cue’ (retrieval failure!). 
• 2. reinstate the context

  Recalling the weather, location and mood of the day prevents context- dependent forgetting by reminding the eyewitness of their external cues at the time. 
• 3. change the perspective

  Recalling events from the perspective of the victim or persecutor prevents the eyewitness’ account from being affected by their own schemas or pre-conceived perceptions of how the crime, in their opinion, happened.
• 4. reverse the order


  Recalling events in a different order, other than chronological, reduces the ability of the eyewitness to lie (as it is simply difficult) and reduces the impact of schemas on their perception of events. 
• enhanced cognitive interview

  • fisher et al
  • focuses on social dynamics of interactions between interviewer and eyewitness
  • eg knowing when to make eyecontact and when to diminish it- increases calm and comfort
  • increasing rapport with eyewitness- increases liklihood will answer truthfuly about personal topics