cognitive interviewing

Cognitive interviewing is a technique used primarily in psychology and criminal investigations to enhance memory recall. It involves carefully structured dialogue that encourages individuals to think deeply about their experiences and share details they might not initially remember. By using open-ended questions, prompts, and guided visualization, interviewers help participants access memories and provide richer, more accurate information. This approach is particularly valuable in gathering eyewitness accounts or personal narratives, as it reduces the likelihood of false memories while fostering a supportive environment for sharing information.