You will have learnt about a key question from criminological psychology that is relevant to today's society - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 10 - 2017 - Paper 2

To assess a key question from criminological psychology, it is essential to look into the cognitive interview technique, which seeks to enhance the accuracy of eyewitness testimonies.

One of the major steps in this method is reinstating the context in which the witness observed the crime. This entails asking witnesses to recall not only the events but also their emotions and the environment around them. By doing so, a more comprehensive understanding of the incident can be achieved.

The Importance of Reinstating Context

When witnesses are allowed to recount their own memories freely, this can lead to more rich and reliable data. The interviewer can then guide the conversation towards more specific queries once the initial free recall is completed. For instance, police officers can prompt the witness to describe the scene from different perspectives, such as that of the victim or other witnesses.

Application through Example

Consider a scenario involving a witness named Kylie, who might be asked to recall specific sensory details, like sounds or smells present at the time of the crime. It is crucial to approach her recall by also encouraging her to express her emotional responses during the event, such as fear or confusion. By doing this, Kylie can provide a richer narrative that could potentially assist in the investigation.

Research Supporting the Method

Research by Geiselman et al. (1985) supports the effectiveness of the cognitive interview, showing that it leads to more factual information being recalled compared to traditional interviewing methods. They found that standard interviews might overlook crucial details. Additionally, further studies, such as those by Holliday (2003), have indicated that cognitive interviews allow witnesses to recall information more effectively, thus reducing the chances of misidentifications.

In conclusion, assessing the cognitive interview within the realm of criminological psychology helps to highlight its significance in improving the reliability of eyewitness accounts, which can have profound implications for justice and societal safety.