Comparing the quality of memory reports in different initial eyewitness questioning approaches

Abstract

High-quality initial memory retrieval can enhance initial and subsequent eyewitness memory. The quality of initial memory retrieval has been increasingly examined in single approaches. The aim of our study was to compare the quality of memory reports in different initial eyewitness questioning approaches to examine their strengths and limitations. Sixty-two adults participated in the study and were allocated to one of three initial questioning groups: self-administered interview (SAI), police officer’s questioning (POQ) and written free recall (FR). Participants individually observed a video of a real criminal event and afterwards gave in initial eyewitness reports using the SAI, the POQ or the FR. After a one-week delay all participants were asked 16 written, non-suggestive questions about the criminal event. The study revealed that adults using the SAI for their initial retrieval reported more correct victim and setting details compared to adults in the POQ or FR group. Compared to adults in the FR group, adults in the SAI group also reported more correct offender and action details. Adults in the POQ group reported more correct offender details compared to adults in the SAI and FR groups. Accuracy was not affected. After one week, adults in the FR group reported more correct object details and were more accurate than adults in the SAI and POQ groups. Results are discussed in relation to their empirical and practical relevance.

Keywords

• eyewitness memory
• self-administered interview
• initial police questioning
• adult witnessess
• offender