AS Psychology - The Cognitive Interview

Cognitive Interview Technique

Geiselman et al. (1984) produced a theory that solved the problem of police interviewer affecting the accuracy of an eye-witness.

Old interviewing techniques were so bad that interviewees were being bombarded with blunt, direct, close-ended question that did not satisfy the response needed to hold a reliable source for convicting criminals etc.: thus a new technique was required.

Geiselman et al. (1984)

1. Context Reinstatement - Witnesses are asked to recall the scene, the weather, what they were thinking or feeling etc.. This acts as a 'que card' and enhances their recall. E.g. What Shops were around? How was the weather before the incident?

2. Report Everything - Witnesses must be asked to…