COGNITIVE INTERVIEWING Kerryn Mura Murray Lee Charles Sturt University

Cognitive Interviewing This technique is based on memory and communication and is aimed at maximising memory recall to ensure all information is obtained This technique is based on memory and communication and is aimed at maximising memory recall to ensure all information is obtained It is used when interviewing witnesses and victims It is used when interviewing witnesses and victims

Cognitive Interviewing The Cognitive technique is implemented in the account stage of the PEACE framework

Cognitive Interviewing P Planning and preparation P Planning and preparation EEngage and Explain EEngage and Explain AAccount AAccount CClosure CClosure EEvaluation EEvaluation

Cognitive Interviewing Six principles form the foundation for Cognitive Interviewing Six principles form the foundation for Cognitive Interviewing

Cognitive Interviewing These principles come from an understanding of how the brain works and how memory retrieval cues can be used to trigger memory, maximising the amount of information recalled.

Cognitive Interviewing The information stored by witnesses relevant to an incident may be stored in different filing cabinets in the brain. The information stored by witnesses relevant to an incident may be stored in different filing cabinets in the brain. Multiple and varied retrieval attempts should be used to ensure the information is obtained. Multiple and varied retrieval attempts should be used to ensure the information is obtained.

Cognitive Interviewing Context Reinstatement Context Reinstatement Concentration Concentration Mental Imagery Mental Imagery Control of information Exchange Control of information Exchange Witness Compatible Questions Witness Compatible Questions Extensive and Varied Retrieval Extensive and Varied Retrieval

Context Reinstatement This principle uses a memory guidance technique This principle uses a memory guidance technique It requires the witness to be placed in the original context whether mentally or physically It requires the witness to be placed in the original context whether mentally or physically Think of asking questions that rely on the senses Think of asking questions that rely on the senses

Concentration The witness must be able to concentrate on the instructions given. The witness must be able to concentrate on the instructions given. Look at the environment Look at the environment Avoid physical and psychological distractions Avoid physical and psychological distractions Avoid interrupting Avoid interrupting

Mental Imagery This principle is closely related to context Reinstatement and is useful when obtaining descriptions This principle is closely related to context Reinstatement and is useful when obtaining descriptions Information is stored in different sensory modes eg sight, taste, smell, touch and sound Information is stored in different sensory modes eg sight, taste, smell, touch and sound Getting the witness to draw a sketch is an example of how this principle is applied. Getting the witness to draw a sketch is an example of how this principle is applied.

Information Exchange This principle looks at the relationship between the witness and interviewer This principle looks at the relationship between the witness and interviewer The Interviewer always has control of the interview The Interviewer always has control of the interview The Witness has control of the information The Witness has control of the information

Witness Compatible Questions Use language appropriate to the level of understanding of the witness Use language appropriate to the level of understanding of the witness Use Open questions Use Open questions Avoid leading questions and multiple questions this reduces the chance of contaminating the evidence Avoid leading questions and multiple questions this reduces the chance of contaminating the evidence

Extensive and Varied Retrieval Varying the retrieval cues will get the witness to think about the incident from various perspectives Varying the retrieval cues will get the witness to think about the incident from various perspectives There are a number of retrieval cues that can be used when interviewing There are a number of retrieval cues that can be used when interviewing

Extensive and Varied Retrieval Not all cues will be used in every interview. This depends on the situation and the person you are interviewing Not all cues will be used in every interview. This depends on the situation and the person you are interviewing The cues are likes tools in your toolbox as the interviewer you select whatever tools you need The cues are likes tools in your toolbox as the interviewer you select whatever tools you need

Extensive and Varied Retrieval First Free Recall First Free Recall –Obtain an initial account –Can you tell me what happened –Plot information on an event line –Do not interrupt –Clarify the information obtained

Extensive and Varied Retrieval Sketch Sketch –Include as much detail as possible –Ask the witness to narrate whilst drawing –Remember some people are more visual then others –Use the sketch throughout the interview

Extensive and Varied Retrieval Second Free Recall Second Free Recall –Obtain another recall by breaking the incident into smaller chunks –This recall is aimed at focusing on more specific information

Extensive and Varied Retrieval Backward Loop Backward Loop -Obtain information that occurred after the event

Extensive and Varied Retrieval Reverse Order Recall Reverse Order Recall –This requires the witness to recall the incident in reverse. –Over explanation of this can be confusing so just guide the witness through this process –Break the retrieval into smaller sections making it easy for the witness to recall –This retrieval cue is very effective and can retrieve information stored in memory that may not be otherwise obtained

Extensive and Varied Retrieval Forward Loop Forward Loop –Obtain information that occurred before the event

Extensive and Varied Retrieval Focused Recall Focused Recall –This cue focuses on descriptions of objects and people –Use head to toe and toe to head method –Use mental imagery and context reinstatement with this cue –Place the witness back at the event mentally and encourage the witness to imagine the person or object when they had the closest view

Extensive and Varied Retrieval Probing Probing –Ask open questions to elaborate on information already obtained –Each key issue on the event line should be expanded upon

Remember Ask Open questions Ask Open questions Take comprehensive notes Take comprehensive notes Use active listening skills Use active listening skills Apply the six principles Apply the six principles Apply the tools or cues necessary for the particular interview Apply the tools or cues necessary for the particular interview

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