Using the cognitive interview to recall real‐world emotionally stressful experiences: Road accidents. Issue 4 (13th April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dodier, Olivier; Ginet, Magali; Teissedre, Frédérique; Verkampt, Fanny; Fisher, Ronald P.
• Is Part Of: Applied cognitive psychology. Volume 35:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 1099
• Page End: 1105
• Publication Date: 2021-04-13
• Subjects: cognitive interview -- eyewitness testimony -- investigative interviewing -- mental context reinstatement -- stress; Cognition -- Periodicals; Psychology, Applied -- Periodicals; 153
• DOI: 10.1002/acp.3828
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0888-4080

Abstract

Summary: This study examined the relevance of the cognitive interview (CI) for the recall of a road accident by actual victims, depending on the level of stress experienced at the time of the event. Fifty‐six victims (or witnesses) were interviewed, either with a CI or control interview, after completing a series of questionnaires including measures of their stress level during the accident. Participants who reported a high level of stress recalled more central details than those with a low level. In addition, participants interviewed with the CI recalled more details than those interviewed with a control interview, regardless of the level of stress experienced during the accident. This experiment confirms the CI's relevance in a stressful context, and after an extended period of time. Practical implications for interviewing victims are discussed.