Category Archives: Making a Case

Fisher et al., (1989) – The Cognitive Interview

Forensic Psychology, Interviewing Suspects, Making a Case, OCR A2 Psychology, , , ,

Fisher et al., (1986) – ‘Field test of the cognitive interview: enhancing the recollection of the actual vicitims and witnesses of crime’, Journal of Applied Psychology 74 (5), 722-7.

 

This study is also referred to as:

  • Fisher et al., (1989)
  • Fisher and Geiselman (1989)
  • Geiselman et al., (1989)

Background

This is the third study we look at from the ‘Interviewing Witnesses’ section of ‘Making a case’. As part of your OCR A2 Psychology Exam. It is further categorised into ‘The Cognitive Interview.’

Fisher et al., (1989) focuses on police interviews of witnesses.

What is an interview?

An interview is simply trying to elicit information from a person or witness, while keeping the information valid. This is easier said than done. You may remember two studies from AS: Loftus et al., (1974) and Samuel and Bryant (1984), which demonstrate this.  Firstly, Loftus showed the impact that leading questions could have upon participant recall and she concluded that an actual change in memory had occurred. Memory is easily malleable, changing how a question is asked can change the memory itself. Secondly, Samuel and Bryant showed the impact of repeating the same question. Repeating the same question to children will cause them to completely change their answer, even if their answers were perfectly correct.

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Mann et al., (2004)

Forensic Psychology, Interviewing Suspects, Making a Case, OCR A2 Psychology, , , ,

Mann et al., (2004) – ‘Detecting True Lies: Police Officers’ Ability to Detect Suspects’ Lies’

 

 

Background

This is the second study we look at from the ‘Interviewing Suspects’ section of ‘Making a case’. As part of your OCR A2 Psychology Exam. It is further categorised into ‘Detecting Lies.’

Can you tell when someone is lying?

If you answered yes, what cues to do you use to detect lies? Eye movements? Gestures?

Could you detect lies at a rate better that chance (50%)?  This would mean that you would have to be able to accurately ascertain the truthfulness of at least 6 out 10 statements.

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Inbau et al., (1986)

Forensic Psychology, Interviewing Suspects, Making a Case, OCR A2 Psychology, , ,

Inbau et al., (1986) – ‘Criminal Interrogation and Confessions, 3rd edn, Balitmore, MD: Williams and Wilkins’

 

This is also referred to as Inbau and Reid (1986)

Please note that this is not a study, it is an interrogation technique.

 

Background

This is the first piece of research we look at from the ‘Interviewing Suspects’ section of ‘Making a case’. As part of your OCR A2 Psychology Exam. It is further categorised into ‘Interrogation ’

First and foremost, you need to understand what interrogation is. Interrogation, simply put is a psychologically and in some cases physically aggressive way of interviewing suspects of crimes.

Interrogation techniques are illegal to use in the United Kingdom. In the United States however, such techniques are widespread.

The technique we will be looking at is called the Reid technique.

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Fisher et al., (1986)

Forensic Psychology, Interviewing Witnesses, Making a Case, OCR A2 Psychology, , , ,

Fisher et al., (1986) – ‘Enhancement of eyewitness memory with the cognitive interview’, American Journal of Psychology

 

This study is also referred to as:

  • Fisher et al., (1986)
  • Fisher and Geiselman (1986)
  • Geiselman et al., (1986)

Background

Fisher et al., (1986) focuses on police interviews of witnesses.

What is an interview?

An interview is simply trying to elicit information from a person or witness, while keeping the information valid. This is easier said than done. You may remember two studies from AS: Loftus et al., (1974) and Samuel and Bryant (1984), which demonstrate this.  Firstly, Loftus showed the impact that leading questions could have upon participant recall and she concluded that an actual change in memory had occurred. Memory is easily malleable, changing how a question is asked can change the memory itself. Secondly, Samuel and Bryant showed the impact of repeating the same question. Repeating the same question to children will cause them to completely change their answer, even if their answers were perfectly correct.

Continue reading Fisher et al., (1986) →

Loftus et al., (1987)

Forensic Psychology, Interviewing Witnesses, Making a Case, OCR A2 Psychology, , , ,

Loftus et al., (1987) – Some Facts About “Weapon Focus”, Journal of Law and Human Behaviour 11 (1), 55–62

 

Background

This is the second study we look at from the ‘Interviewing Witnesses’ section of ‘Making a case’. As part of your OCR A2 Psychology Exam. It is further categorised into ‘Weapons Focus and Factors Affecting Reconstruction.’

“‘Weapon Focus’ refers to the concentration of a crime witness’s attention on a weapon, and the resultant reduction in ability to remember other details of the crime.”

When a weapon such as a gun is present during a crime. Witness recall of the offender is significantly reduced. The reason behind this is witnesses tend to focus on the weapon, not the offender. This is due to attentional narrowing, which Loftus believed is present due to evolution.

Good news! There is not a background study for this study!

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