Interview Type And Interviewee Selected Eg Cognitive Intervi

Interview Type And Interviewee Selected Eg Cognitive Interview W

Provide details of the interview type and the interviewee selected, including context such as whether it was a cognitive interview, with whom, and the subject matter. Specify the focus of the interview, such as the introductory phase and transition to the substantive phase, and detail the roles of the interviewer and interviewee. Include the script or transcript of the interview, highlighting the approach used, the questions asked, and the responses given. Emphasize the method's adherence to structured protocols and the flow from initial rapport-building to targeted questioning about the incident. Note any specific techniques employed to facilitate memory recall, such as reverse order recounting or open-ended prompts, illustrating the application of the cognitive interview method.

Paper For Above instruction

The cognitive interview is a methodical and research-based approach used by law enforcement professionals to enhance the recollection of witnesses and victims during investigations. It emphasizes the importance of creating a rapport, employing specific memory retrieval techniques, and minimizing interviewer influence to facilitate more accurate and detailed accounts. A typical cognitive interview involves multiple phases, starting with an introductory rapport-building segment, transitioning into a focused recall phase, and employing techniques such as context reinstatement and reverse chronological order to stimulate memory and access forgotten details (Fisher & Geiselman, 1992). This paper explores a structured cognitive interview conducted with a cooperative witness, exemplifying best practices and detailing the techniques employed to maximize memory retrieval.

The interview, conducted with Nicole Stevenson, a 27-year-old witness to a hit-and-run incident, demonstrates the structured approach characteristic of the NICHD protocol, which emphasizes open-ended questions and mental reinstatement of context (Memon et al., 2010). The interviewer begins by establishing rapport, offering comfort through refreshments, and explaining the process. This initial phase is critical for easing the witness into the recollection process and reducing stress, which can impair memory (Kebbell & Wagstaff, 2010).

Once rapport is established, the interviewer encourages the witness to recount the incident in their own words, emphasizing honesty and completeness, which aligns with the principles of free recall (Kohnken et al., 1999). The witness describes seeing a person under a bridge before the collision, hearing a thumping and screeching sound, and then observing the vehicle speeding away. The interviewer prompts the witness to provide details about the vehicle, incident, and environment without leading questions, thus preserving the integrity of the memory data.

Techniques such as reverse order recall are employed to enhance detail recollection and reduce the influence of scripts or expectations (Fisher & Geiselman, 1995). Nicole is asked to recount the incident backward, which often disrupts routine cognitive schemas and encourages detailed memory retrieval. This technique draws upon the concept of mental reinstatement, where imagining the original context, such as the sights, sounds, and emotions, aids in unlocking further details (Gieselmann & Fisher, 1997).

Throughout the interview, the interviewer maintains a non-judgmental, neutral demeanor, facilitating a psychologically safe environment. The witness’s responses about the vehicle’s color, shape, license plate, and behavior during the incident are carefully recorded. The specificity provided, such as the license plate containing an "X" and a "4," exemplifies how cognitive interviews can retrieve partial but valuable information that might be missed with standard interviewing techniques.

The structured format continues with prompts for the witness to describe the scene from end to beginning, which often helps to uncover overlooked details. For example, Nicole recalls the sound of screeching, the color of the vehicle, and fleeting hints of the license plate. Concluding the session, the interviewer confirms understanding, thanks the witness, and reassures them that additional information can be provided if remembered later, which aligns with best practices aimed at minimizing suggestibility and contamination of memory (Moan et al., 2010).

This interview vividly demonstrates the systematic application of the cognitive interview protocol, emphasizing cognitive strategies such as mental reinstatement, varied recall perspectives, and open-ended prompts. These techniques collectively increase the quantity and quality of information retrieved, crucial for strengthening investigative evidence (Fisher & Geiselman, 1992). Their effectiveness has been supported by empirical research, revealing higher accuracy rates and richer detail compared to conventional interviews (Kebbell et al., 2010).

In conclusion, the structured cognitive interview with Nicole Stevenson exemplifies best practices in witness interviewing, utilizing scientifically validated techniques to enhance recall. The method’s emphasis on minimizing suggestibility, fostering rapport, and deploying multiple recall strategies optimizes the recovery of detailed, accurate information critical for investigations. Continued research and training in these techniques are vital for law enforcement to improve evidentiary quality and enhance justice outcomes.

References

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