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, we can explore the cognitive interview method, which is crucial for obtaining accurate eyewitness testimonies.

Reinstating Context

One of the fundamental steps of the cognitive interview is reinstating the context. Witnesses should be encouraged to recall environmental details and their emotional state during the incident. This allows them to reconstruct the scene effectively and minimizes memory decay.

Free Recall

Next, witnesses should begin with an uninterrupted free recall of the event. Interviewers should listen attentively and not interrupt, allowing for a comprehensive account of what transpired.

Specific Questions

Once the free recall is complete, the interviewer can pose specific questions. This engagement helps clarify details and improve the reliability of the information provided.

Different Perspectives

Furthermore, witnesses should be asked to recall the event from different perspectives. For example, they might consider what other witnesses or victims observed. This broader view can provide deeper insights into the event.

Evaluation of Effectiveness

Research supports the effectiveness of cognitive interviews. For instance, Geiselman et al. (1985) found that this method leads to a higher accuracy in the information recalled compared to standard interviewing techniques. They noted that eyewitnesses were able to provide more precise details when following the structured approach of cognitive interviews.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the assessment of the key question from criminological psychology reveals that employing techniques like the cognitive interview significantly enhances the quality and accuracy of eyewitness testimonies, which is crucial in today’s legal context.