Field test of the Cognitive Interview: enhancing the recollection of actual victims and witnesses of crime

J Appl Psychol. 1989 Oct;74(5):722-7. doi: 10.1037/0021-9010.74.5.722.

Abstract

The Cognitive Interview was tested in the field to enhance the recollection of actual victims and witnesses of crime. The technique is based on laboratory-tested principles of memory retrieval, knowledge representation, and communication. Seven experienced detectives from the Metro-Dade Police Department were trained to use the technique and were compared with 9 untrained detectives. Before and after training, all detectives tape-recorded interviews with victims and witnesses of crime. The trained detectives elicited 47% more information after than before training, and 63% more information than did the untrained detectives. Overall collaboration rates (94%) were extremely high and were equivalent for pre- and posttrained interviews. Because the Cognitive Interview reliably enhances memory and is easily learned and administered, it should be useful for a variety of investigative interviews.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Crime*
  • Criminal Law*
  • Florida
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic / methods*
  • Jurisprudence*
  • Memory*