Abstract
The cognitive interview (CI) is a multidisciplinary forensic interview technique
concerned exclusively with the retrieval of information from memory. It is one of the most-researched and widely acknowledged interview procedures for enhancing eyewitness memorial performance and has been described as “one of the most exciting developments in psychology in the last ten years” (Memon, 2000, p. 343). Indeed, the CI has been fundamental in shaping the prevailing approach to investigative interviewing in the United Kingdom,1 as well as many other countries (e.g. Australia, United States, and Canada). This chapter will commence by outlining the importance of witness information to the investigation of crime, followed by a brief introduction to some of the problems associated with police interviews prior to the formation of the CI. The CI procedure will then be described and the development process will be outlined, including a review of the relevant theory and empirical research. Finally, research pertaining to police officers’ application of the procedure will be introduced.
concerned exclusively with the retrieval of information from memory. It is one of the most-researched and widely acknowledged interview procedures for enhancing eyewitness memorial performance and has been described as “one of the most exciting developments in psychology in the last ten years” (Memon, 2000, p. 343). Indeed, the CI has been fundamental in shaping the prevailing approach to investigative interviewing in the United Kingdom,1 as well as many other countries (e.g. Australia, United States, and Canada). This chapter will commence by outlining the importance of witness information to the investigation of crime, followed by a brief introduction to some of the problems associated with police interviews prior to the formation of the CI. The CI procedure will then be described and the development process will be outlined, including a review of the relevant theory and empirical research. Finally, research pertaining to police officers’ application of the procedure will be introduced.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Applied criminal psychology |
| Subtitle of host publication | a guide to forensic behavioral sciences |
| Editors | Richard N. Kocsis |
| Place of Publication | Springfield, Illinois |
| Publisher | Charles C. Thomas Publishers |
| Pages | 147-167 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780398078423 |
| Publication status | Published - 2009 |
