Definition:
Cognitive Interview (CI) is a well-established police interviewing technique that aims to enhance the retrieval of accurate information from witnesses and victims of crimes by utilizing cognitive principles and memory retrieval strategies.
Key Features:
The CI technique incorporates the following key features:
- Context Reinstatement: The interviewer uses various cues, such as environmental or situational cues, to mentally reinstate the context of the event in order to enhance memory recollection.
- Report Everything: Witnesses are encouraged to report all the details they can remember, even if they seem trivial or irrelevant, as they may trigger further memory retrieval.
- Recall from Different Perspectives: Witnesses are asked to recall the incident from multiple viewpoints or perspectives, such as visual, auditory, or emotional, to maximize the chances of retrieving accurate information.
- Memory Retrieval in Reverse Order: Witnesses are prompted to recall the sequence of events in reverse chronological order to minimize the influence of pre-existing schemas and to potentially uncover unnoticed details.
Benefits of CI:
The Cognitive Interview technique has been found to enhance the quality and quantity of information obtained during investigative interviews. It promotes a non-threatening and supportive interviewing environment, which helps witnesses and victims feel comfortable sharing their memories freely. By utilizing cognitive principles, the CI technique aids in reducing potential memory distortions while maximizing accurate recall.