The Theory Behind Cognitive Interviews
Traditional police interviews often fall short because they use closed questions and put pressure on witnesses. Fisher and Geiselman spotted this problem and created something much better by combining standard interview techniques with psychology research.
Cognitive interviews work brilliantly because they flip the script entirely. Instead of rapid-fire questions, witnesses get loads of time for free recall in a relaxed, conversational setting. The interviewer asks open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses rather than simple yes/no answers.
The real game-changer? Officers need proper training to use these techniques effectively. It's not just about asking different questions - it's about understanding how memory works and creating the right conditions for recall.
Key Point: This isn't just theory - cognitive interviews genuinely help witnesses remember significantly more accurate details than standard questioning methods.
