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The cognitive interview for eyewitnesses with autism spectrum disorder
Katie L Maras1, Dermot M Bowler
1Autism Research Group, Department of Psychology, City University London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, UK. Katie.Maras.1@city.ac.uk
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|March 20, 2010
Summary
The cognitive interview (CI) is less accurate for witnesses with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Investigative professionals should use caution when interviewing ASD witnesses using the CI technique.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Forensic Science
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- The cognitive interview (CI) is a widely accepted method for obtaining detailed witness reports.
- Effectiveness of the CI with witnesses with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has not been previously studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effectiveness of the CI compared to a structured interview (SI) for eliciting information from adult witnesses with ASD.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-six adults with ASD and 26 neurotypical adults viewed a crime video.
- Participants were interviewed using either the CI or a SI without CI mnemonics.
Main Results:
- No differences in report quantity or quality were found between groups when using the SI.
- When interviewed with the CI, the ASD group produced significantly less accurate reports compared to the neurotypical group.
Conclusions:
- Investigative professionals should exercise caution when employing the CI for interviewing witnesses with ASD.
- The findings suggest the CI may reduce accuracy for witnesses with ASD, necessitating alternative approaches.
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