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.

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

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.

Continue reading Mann et al., (2004) →