Two experiments tested mnemonics for enhancing memory for family meeting occurrences and details. Experiment 1 tested a set of seven mnemonics to facilitate recollections of family meeting occurrences. Mnemonics helped respondents report 70% more event occurrences than were reported during unaided free recall. Experiment 2 tested (i) a revised set of mnemonics to facilitate recollections of family meeting occurrences and (ii) a version of the cognitive interview to facilitate recollections of event details. Similar to Experiment 1, the revised set of mnemonics helped respondents recall double the number of events recalled during unaided free recall. For event details, when compared with a control interview, the cognitive interview elicited more than twice as many person, conversation, action, and setting details. The mnemonics used in these experiments are relatively easy to modify and implement in intelligence-gathering interviews with human intelligence sources.
Laboratory research and field research have reliably shown that the cognitive interview (CI) enhances eyewitness recall in comparison with standard interview protocols in a criminal investigation context. To address some of the major criticisms of the existing CI literature, the current experiment compared the CI with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center's five-step interview protocol in an intelligence-gathering context using experienced interviewers and adult interviewees. The CI elicited significantly more event-relevant information from the interviewees than the five-step model, the standard training offered at Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
Aspen Systems Corporation, particularly Gayle Garmise and Erica Pope, provided tireless work on editing and re-editing the various drafts of the Guide. CSR, Incorporated, provided support in arranging the group's many meetings. Staff from NIJ and the Office of Justice Programs provided valuable input, particularly Janice Munsterman, Karl Bickel, Luke Galant, and Anjali Swienton. Special thanks are extended to Lisa Forman and Kathleen Higgins for their contributions to the TWG program and to Lisa Kaas for her patience, dedication, endurance, and editing skills that made the work of TWGEYEE easier.
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