# Supporting Witnesses and Victims to Invoke Episodic Retrieval Mode: Own-Generated Verbal- and Sketch-Reinstatement-of-Context Retrieval Cues Improves Recall Versus Interviewer-Generated Mental Reinstatement of Context Cues

## TL;DR

This study shows that self-generated verbal and sketch cues help witnesses remember more accurately than interviewer-led techniques.

## Contribution

Introduces Verbal-Reinstatement-of-Context as a new effective alternative to existing interview techniques.

## Key findings

- Self-generated cues improved correct recall by 26% (sketch) and 11% (verbal) compared to interviewer-led cues.
- Sketch and verbal cues reduced errors by 34% and 22%, respectively, compared to interviewer-led cues.
- Sketch-Reinstatement-of-Context was the most efficient overall for improving recall accuracy.

## Abstract

Background: Criminal justice relies on information from witnesses. Retrieval from episodic memory is cognitively demanding; thus, many interview protocols advocate techniques to support episodic retrieval mode, which is essential for obtaining detailed accounts. Currently, interviewers have two empirically validated techniques for triggering and scaffolding conscious remembering: Mental-Reinstatement-of-Context and Sketch-Reinstatement-of-Context. However, where neither is appropriate, there exist few alternatives. We report a potential future addition to the interviewer toolbox, aimed at reinstating context through self-directed verbal cueing, namely the Verbal-Reinstatement-of-Context. Methods: Using a between-conditions mock witness paradigm, we compared the interviewer-directed Mental-Reinstatement-of-Context technique with self-directed Sketch-Reinstatement-of-Context and Verbal-Reinstatement-of-Context cue techniques. Participants were interviewed 48 h after they had seen a mock robbery. Memory performance was analyzed for correct and erroneous recall, completeness, and accuracy. Results: Participants who self-generated retrieval cues recalled an average of 26% (Sketch-Reinstatement-of-Context) and 11% (Verbal-Reinstatement-of-Context) more correct information and were more complete and more accurate than those in the Mental-Reinstatement-of-Context condition. Improved recall was not accompanied by increased errors. Mean combined errors were an average of 34% and 22% lower (respectively) in the self-generated cue conditions. Conclusions: Consistent with prior research, self-generated retrieval cues were more effective than interviewer-initiated cues. Sketch-Reinstatement-of-Context and Verbal-Reinstatementme-of-Context conferred clear advantages, although Sketch-Reinstatement-of-Context was most efficient overall. For witnesses unable or unwilling to sketch, Verbal-Reinstatement-of-Context may be a viable alternative.