2.1.19

Cognitive Interview - Geiselman & Fisher

Test yourself

Geiselman & Fisher (1985) - Laboratory Test

Geiselman & Fisher (1985) carried about a laboratory experiment to test the cognitive interview technique.

Illustrative background for Research methodIllustrative background for Research method ?? "content

Research method

  • 240 participants watched a video of a store robbery.
  • 120 were interviewed using the standard police interview and 120 using the cognitive interview technique.
Illustrative background for Research resultsIllustrative background for Research results ?? "content

Research results

  • Participants interviewed using the cognitive interview technique recalled 35% more facts.
Illustrative background for Research conclusionsIllustrative background for Research conclusions ?? "content

Research conclusions

  • The cognitive interview technique is a more effective method of interviewing witnesses than the standard police interview.
Illustrative background for Evaluation Illustrative background for Evaluation  ?? "content

Evaluation

  • Strengths
    • Provided evidence to support cognitive interview technique.
    • Highly controlled, easy to replicate.
  • Limitations
    • Lacks ecological validity – not real crime witnesses.

Geiselman & Fisher (1989) - Field Test

Geiselman & Fisher (1989) also tested the cognitive interview in the field.

Illustrative background for Procedure Illustrative background for Procedure  ?? "content

Procedure

  • Used 16 detective interviews with real witnesses from the robbery division of Dade County, Florida, police.
  • Seven of the detectives were trained in the cognitive interview technique (CI).
  • The interviews were recorded and analysed by a team at the University of California, who were blind to the conditions (i.e. they didn’t know if the interview they were analysing was by a trained CI detective or not).
  • The information gathered by the two groups of detectives was collated.
Illustrative background for Results & conclusionsIllustrative background for Results & conclusions ?? "content

Results & conclusions

  • Results: 63% more information was obtained by the detectives trained in CI.
  • Conclusion: Cognitive interview techniques do seem to work as more information is gathered. This could help the police solve more crimes.
Illustrative background for Evaluation Illustrative background for Evaluation  ?? "content

Evaluation

  • Strengths
    • Ecological validity.
    • Practical applications.
  • Limitations
    • Do not know if 63% more information was useful information that might help solve crimes.
    • Individual differences in skill of detectives carrying out interviews.

Jump to other topics

1Social Influence

2Memory

3Attachment

4Psychopathology

5Approaches in Psychology

6Biopsychology

7Research Methods

8Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

9Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

11Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

12Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

13Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

14Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

15Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

16Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

17Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson