Upon review of psychological memory research and police interview techniques, Geiselman et al (1985) identified a number of ways that standard police interview methodology could negatively affect eye witnesses' recall accuracy of crimes.
For example, police questioning techniques often prompted regular jumps between memory modalities (such as describing physical appearances and recalling dialogue) and event recall in a non-chronological order.
Geiselman et al therefore integrated effective memory recall techniques into a new questioning methodology - the cognitive interview - to achieve more detailed and accurate eye witness testimonies.
At the start of a cognitive interview, the interviewer attempts to help the witness feel relaxed, and seeks to tailor their language to suit the individual. The witness is then encouraged to recreate their internal and external conditions at the scene (e.g. the mood they were in, the weather, etc.), recalling the event backwards and forwards in time, and recalling it from other people's perspectives. The interviewer aims to be non-judgemental and avoids personal comments throughout.
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