The Cognitive Interview is not the highly structured and rigid procedure used by most investigators. Neither does it follow any traditional or orderly step-by-step technique. Rather, the Cognitive Interview consists of a series of research-proven techniques designed to enhance recall of important events based on a set of mnemonic principles. It consists of six mnemonic techniques and several other suggestions. The mnemonics include mentally reinstating the context that existed at the time of the event. Under this strategy, interviewees are asked to think about the physical context surrounding the original event. A second principle is to recall the original event in both a forward and a reverse temporal order. This procedure forces the respondent to examine the memory record, looking for benchmarks to facilitate the backward recall. A third principle is to report all information regardless of its perceived importance. Another principle is to switch the frame of reference. Recalling the event both from one's own perspective and from the perspective of other participants who were present many bring new dimensions to the event. Other principles are to structure questions to be compatible with the interviewee's mental representation, as well as to encourage the interviewee to focus on minute detail. The Cognitive Interview is not intended as an interrogation device and is of no use when the interviewee is uncooperative. Research findings on this technique are presented. 14 references