The effects of cognitive load on investigative interviewers' performance
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Portsmouth
Department Name: Psychology
Abstract
Accurate and reliable witness testimony is essential to ensure fairness for all in the criminal justice system. International psychological research has explored how information is encoded, retained and recalled by witnesses. This research has provided guidance regarding best practice for conducting optimum witness interviews. However, despite the advice police officers do not, or perhaps cannot, comply with the guidance. This can have serious consequences for criminal justice, as poor interviews may be deemed inadmissible in court or may negatively impact upon perceived witness credibility.
During an interview there are numerous attentional demands imposed upon interviewers, for example, listening carefully, evaluating information, deciding on questions to ask, and adhering to the strict guidance. From a psychological perspective, interviewers have limited processing capacity to simultaneously perform these difficult tasks. The effort and attention required to conduct interviews may result in cognitive load and fewer cognitive resources being available for other mental processes. As such, memory failure, susceptibility to bias and poor questioning could arise for interviewers.
Investigative interviewers may simply have too much to contend with and cognitive load could contribute to their lack of compliance with guidance. Previous research has explored the effects of cognitive load in diverse settings although how it affects interviewers in forensic settings has, to date, been overlooked. This research programme has been designed to examine cognitive capacity limitations and their impact upon interviewers' performance. The challenges faced by interviewers that may impair their performance and negatively impact upon the quality of witness evidence will be explored.
During an interview there are numerous attentional demands imposed upon interviewers, for example, listening carefully, evaluating information, deciding on questions to ask, and adhering to the strict guidance. From a psychological perspective, interviewers have limited processing capacity to simultaneously perform these difficult tasks. The effort and attention required to conduct interviews may result in cognitive load and fewer cognitive resources being available for other mental processes. As such, memory failure, susceptibility to bias and poor questioning could arise for interviewers.
Investigative interviewers may simply have too much to contend with and cognitive load could contribute to their lack of compliance with guidance. Previous research has explored the effects of cognitive load in diverse settings although how it affects interviewers in forensic settings has, to date, been overlooked. This research programme has been designed to examine cognitive capacity limitations and their impact upon interviewers' performance. The challenges faced by interviewers that may impair their performance and negatively impact upon the quality of witness evidence will be explored.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES/P000673/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2027 | |||
| 1956605 | Studentship | ES/P000673/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2020 | Pamela Hanway |
| Description | Presentation of research to HMICFRS |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | As part of my internship with the Home Office, I was invited to present my research to a team working at HMICFRS. Approximately 12 people attended the presentation and a summary of my research was circulated to the team. There was a discussion during my presentation. I was asked many questions about my research and how it may have an impact for practitioners. The HMICFRS are responsible for inspecting police forces and the presentation gave them insight into the psychological aspects of police officers' work. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Presentation of research to Home Office Crime and Policing Analysis Unit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | I was invited to present my research to the Home Office, Crime and Policing Analysis Team at the Home office. Approximately 18 people attended the presentation and a summary of my research was circulated to the CPAU team of approximately 40 people. There was discussion during my presentation. I was asked many questions, both following the presentation and subsequently in the office, about my research and how it may have an impact for practitioners. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |