The Enhanced Cognitive Interview: Testing Appropriateness Perception, Memory Capacity and Error Estimate Relation with Report Quality

Abstract

The Enhanced Cognitive Interview: Testing appropriateness perception, memory capacity and error estimate relation with report quality. AbstractThe Enhanced Cognitive Interview (ECI) has been widely studied. However, research has overlooked witnesses' attitudes towards the interview, and how error estimate and memory capacity relate to report quality. Participants watched a mock robbery video and were interviewed 48 hours later with either the Portuguese version of the ECI or a Structured Interview (SI). Participants interviewed with the ECI provided more information without compromising accuracy, particularly in free recall. Report accuracy was stable across interview phases and information categories. A higher perception of interview appropriateness (how witnesses evaluate the appropriateness of the interview procedure used), was linked with more detailed reports and more interest in being an interviewee. Participants over-estimated their error rate, and their memory capacity was not related to witnesses' recall. It is essential to take into account their perception of interview appropriateness and use alternative methods to evaluate report quality. Major implications for real-life investigations are discussed.

The enhanced cognitive interview: expressions of uncertainty, motivation and its relation with report accuracy

“…However, as previously discussed, Paulo et al (2015) found that witnesses were unable to successfully evaluate their accuracy for different interview phases, as well as for the whole interview. Similarly to Granhag et al (2004), these authors found no association between participants' frequency judgments and participants 'real' error rate.…”

“…Paulo, Albuquerque, Saraiva, and Bull (2015) evaluated if witnesses were able to perform accurate frequency judgments for each interview phase as well as for overall recall, during an investigative interview. These authors presented the same (mock) crime recording to two groups of participants and interviewed them with either an ECI or a SI.…”

The enhanced cognitive interview: expressions of uncertainty, motivation and its relation with report accuracy

“…One could argue that accuracy is influencing witnesses' motivation: participants who provide a more accurate report consequently feel more motivated. However, as previously discussed, Paulo et al (2015) found that witnesses were unable to successfully evaluate their accuracy for different interview phases, as well as for the whole interview. Similarly to Granhag et al (2004), these authors found no association between participants' frequency judgments and participants 'real' error rate.…”

“…Participants were then asked to provide a frequency judgment (how many questions they had answered correctly) and the authors found that participants severely underestimated their actual performance. Paulo, Albuquerque, Saraiva, and Bull (2015) evaluated if witnesses were able to perform accurate frequency judgments for each interview phase as well as for overall recall, during an investigative interview. These authors presented the same (mock) crime recording to two groups of participants and interviewed them with either an ECI or a SI.…”

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“…The appropriate participants needed management experience and proven leadership skills to fulfill the requirements of my study. A suitable interview setting is one that is accessible and comfortable for the participants (Paulo, Albuquerque, Saraiva, & Bull, 2015). I met the participants at the location of their choice and where they felt comfortable with the private interview process.…”