Assignment: Evaluating Interview Strategies
Forensic interviews are conducted for a variety of purposes. The strategy used by the interviewer differs depending on the interviewee and nature of the investigation. Two of the most common strategies are the cognitive interview and the use of hypnosis. Each one of these strategies has different strengths and weaknesses. Forensic interviewers need to understand the unique contribution that each strategy can make to the overall goal of eliciting reliable information from an interviewee.
In this Assignment, you evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the cognitive interview and hypnosis.
You respond to questions about their applications, assumptions, effectiveness, and possible impact on a legal investigation.
To prepare for this Assignment:
- Read the chapters in Gordon & Fleischer.
- Read the articles by Geiselman et al.
- View the media resource from the University of Leeds, "The Cognitive Interview Pt. 1 and Pt. 2."
The Assignment:
Submit a 3- to 4-page paper that evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the two interview strategies described in the Learning Resources.
Be sure to address the following questions in your analysis:
1. In which situations are the two interview strategies most effective? Need Assignment Help?
2. In which situations are the two interview strategies least effective?
3. Are certain interview strategies more effective with particular types of interviewees (suspects, witnesses, or victims)? Justify your response.
4. Do any of the strategies feel more "accusatory" than others? If so, what effect could this have on the quality of information obtained from the interviewee?
5. What are some of the criticisms against or limitations of the use of forensic hypnosis, and how does the cognitive interview address these concerns?
6. What are some of the criticisms against or limitations of the use of cognitive interviews, and how does forensic hypnosis address these concerns?