Cognitive Interview (CI)

A cognitive interview (CI) is an interviewing technique used to improve the accuracy of the memories of eyewitnesses to events (crimes in particular).

This method was developed in the 1980s by Fisher and Geiselman in order to increase the relevant information recalled by witnesses in crimes.

Methods in CI include having the individual recall the event using a different perspective and narrative order. Witnesses are encouraged to recall every detail they remember and not just ones that seem relevant or important. The interviewer will also ask questions about the day in particular (unrelated to the crime) in order to put the individual's mind in the context of that day. CI has been shown to increase the accuracy of memories about particular events and increases the recall of pertinent information.