Interviewer behaviour in investigative interviews

Children (eight and nine years) viewed a magic show in small groups and were subsequently interviewed 2 days after the event, using either the Cognitive Interview (CI) or a Structured Interview (SI) technique (Time 1). After 12 days the children were re-interviewed (Time 2). Another group was interviewed only at Time 2. The paper examines individual differences in interviewers' questioning style, their use of the CI/SI techniques and the way such usage relates to witness performance in an interview. It was found that where the CI techniques were used consistently and the interviewers probed extensively using open and closed questions. More correct and incorrect information was elicited at Time 1. Implications for police training and future research on investigative interviewing are considered.