The impact of recall timing on the preservation of eyewitness memory

Abstract

Two studies investigated the impact of recall timing on eyewitness memory. In Study 1, participants viewed a crime video and then completed the Self-Administered Interview (SAI©) either immediately, after a 24-h delay, after a 1-week delay, or not at all. All participants completed a final recall questionnaire 2 weeks after they had viewed the stimulus video. Study 2 aimed to determine how long the beneficial impact of the SAI© on witnesses’ long-term memory lasts. Participants watched a crime video and then either completed the SAI© or did not engage in an immediate recall attempt. Participants then completed a final recall questionnaire after a delay of 24 h, 1 week, 2 weeks, or 1 month. The results indicated that initial recall should be completed within 24 h of an incident and that under these conditions, the beneficial impact of early recall on long-term memory endures for at least 1 month.