The cognitive interview as memory enhancing technique among Arab children

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the Cognitive Interview (CI) and its usefulness in improving recall among Arab children. Totally, 64 Arab children (9-12 years old) took part in this study; they viewed a short video scene followed by the CI or a Structured Interview (control). Design/methodology/approach - The study measured for recall of correct, incorrect, confabulated details and accuracy level. Using the interview type, delay type (2-4, 7-10 and 14-16 days) and age group (9-10 and 11-12 years) a MANCOVA test showed that the CI group produced significantly more correct, incorrect and confabulated details compared to the control. Findings - Delay had a significant effect on recall of correct detail while the older group of children produced significantly more correct details, higher accuracy and fewer incorrect and confabulated details. Although the CI is a potentially transferable method to be used with Arab children, careful consideration should be given to its difficulty along with cultural issues. Originality/value - This is the first study to consider CI among Arab sample of children. Most research have looked at western cultures, hence this study was needed to extend knowledge and test if the CI is transferable to a different culture.