The Self-Administered interview, or SAI©, is a powerful investigative tool that can be used to quickly and efficiently elicit comprehensive initial statements from witnesses. It takes the form of a standardised protocol of clear instructions and questions that enable witnesses to provide their own statement, and is therefore ideal for use when restricted resources mean that a traditional interview is not possible.
Scientific tests of the SAI have shown that it elicits significantly more accurate and detailed information than a free-recall request. Completing an SAI also strengthens witness memory, meaning that witnesses are protected against forgetting, and against exposure to potentially distorting post-event information. The SAI can add value to any incident investigation, from police or medical incidents, to industrial accidents and insurance investigations. Live trials with police forces have proven the SAI can facilitate an investigation by obtaining critical information quickly and effectively.
For more information about the research underpinning the SAI© read our published research articles:
Gabbert, F., Hope, L. & Fisher, R. P. (2009). Protecting Eyewitness Evidence: Examining the Efficacy of a Self-Administered Interview Tool. Law & Human Behavior, 33, 298-307. click
Gabbert, F., Hope, L., Fisher, R. P., & Jamieson, K. (2012). Protecting against susceptibility to misinformation with the use of a Self-Administered Interview. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 26, 568-75. click
Hope, L., Gabbert, F., Fisher, R. P.& Jamieson, K (In press). Protecting and enhancing eyewitness memory: The impact of an initial recall attempt on performance in an investigative interview.Applied Cognitive Psychology. click
For a review see:
Hope, L., Gabbert, F., & Fisher, R. (2011). From laboratory to the street: Capturing witness memory using the Self-Administered Interview. Legal and criminological psychology, 16, 211-226. click
For a legal perspective see:
Hope, L., Gabbert, F., Heaton-Armstrong, A., & Wolchover, D. (2013). Self-Administered Witness Interview. Criminal Law and Justice Weekly, 177.click
