Question 1: Describe the main purpose of a cognitive interview in the context of eyewitness testimony.

Answer: The main purpose of a cognitive interview is to improve the accuracy and amount of information recalled by witnesses by using specific techniques that help them retrieve memories more effectively.

Question 2: List and briefly explain two techniques used in a cognitive interview.

Answer: 1. Context reinstatement: Encouraging the witness to mentally recreate the environment and feelings at the time of the event. 2. Recall reverse order: Asking the witness to recount the event backwards to prevent guessing and improve accuracy.

Question 3: Explain why asking witnesses to recall an event from multiple perspectives can be helpful.

Answer: It can help access different memories and reduce the influence of schemas or biases, leading to more accurate and detailed recollections.

Question 4: Identify one limitation of the cognitive interview method.

Answer: It can be time-consuming and may require extensive training for police officers to perform correctly.

Question 5: Imagine you are conducting a cognitive interview. Write down a brief example of how you would encourage a witness to mentally recreate the environment of the event.

Answer: I would ask the witness to close their eyes and imagine themselves back at the scene, describing what they see, hear, smell, and feel as vividly as possible.

Question 6: Sketch a simple diagram or flowchart showing the main steps involved in conducting a cognitive interview.

Answer: A correct sketch would include the steps: 1. Introduction and rapport building, 2. Context reinstatement, 3. Recall in reverse order, 4. Recall from different perspectives, 5. Closure.

Question 7: Explain how the 'recall in reverse' technique might help reduce the effects of schemas on memory recall.

Answer: Recalling events backwards minimizes the influence of schemas and expectations, which normally fill in gaps in memory with assumptions, leading to more accurate recall.

Question 8: Describe a scenario where a police officer might use the 'change perspective' technique during a cognitive interview.

Answer: The officer asks the witness to imagine themselves as another person present during the event, such as a friend or the perpetrator, to gain different details or perspectives.

Question 9: Draw a diagram illustrating how memory retrieval can be improved through the use of cognitive interview techniques.

Answer: A correct diagram would show a central bubble labeled 'Memory Recall' with arrows pointing to techniques such as 'Context Reinstatement', 'Reverse Recall', and 'Multiple Perspectives', all leading back to enhanced memory retrieval.

Question 10: Why is it important for police officers to receive training in the cognitive interview technique?

Answer: Because proper training ensures they use the techniques effectively, leading to more accurate and comprehensive witness accounts, and avoids introducing biases or errors.