Facilitating recall and particularisation of repeated events in adults using a multi-method interviewing format

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Memory Research
• Applied Psychology

Background:

• Recounting repeated experiences often yields schematic rather than specific details.
• Forensic and intelligence investigations require specific information, posing a challenge for memory retrieval of repeated events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a multi-method interviewing format (MMIF) designed to enhance recall of specific details from repeated events.
• To compare the effectiveness of MMIF against timeline technique with self-generated cues and free recall formats.

Main Methods:

• 150 adult participants watched films of repeated events (terrorist planning).
• A multi-method interviewing format (MMIF) incorporating self-generated cues, timeline technique, and follow-up questions was employed.
• Participants' accounts were compared across MMIF, timeline technique with self-generated cues, and free recall conditions.

Main Results:

• The MMIF condition yielded significantly more overall information, including correct details and correct gist details, compared to other formats.
• Reporting of internal intrusions did not differ significantly across the interview formats.
• Deviations within the repeated events did not enhance recall or source monitoring accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The multi-method interviewing format (MMIF) is a superior method for eliciting detailed information about repeated events.
• Findings support the use of MMIF in applied settings for information elicitation from witnesses of repeated occurrences.
• Further research is needed on memory retrieval mechanisms for repeated events and the impact of event deviations.