NTSB Training Center.
Title Cognitive Interviewing for Accident Investigators
Description This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to conduct interviews of participants in, and witnesses to, transportation incidents or accidents. Emphasis will be on the cognitive interviewing technique to maximize the amount and quality of information obtained during investigative interviews.
ID Code IM401
Dates and Tuition

October 17 (Tuesday)
$425 for all applications with payment received no later than September 15.
$475 for all applications with payment received September 16 - October 5.

Times 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location NTSB Training Center • 45065 Riverside Parkway • Ashburn, Virginia 20147
Additional Human Factors Course Save on travel, time and expenses – attend two courses in one trip. Investigating Human Fatigue Factors is offered October 18-19.
Status OPEN. Applications are now being accepted for the October course.
Apply to Attend October 17, 2006  (Application deadline: October 5)
CEUs 0.7
Overview
  • Theories of memory and recall
  • Influences on eyewitness memory
  • Logistical aspects of interviewing in transportation accident investigations
  • Interviewer techniques to enhance interviewee recall
  • Using interview information in accident investigations
  • NTSB accident investigation case studies
Performance Results Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to:
  • Use the Cognitive Interview (CI) method to obtain more accurate and complete information from eyewitnesses and critical personnel in accident investigations
  • Explain how the social dynamics in an interview can affect its outcome
  • Identify various errors of perception and memory
  • Employ various techniques to enhance a witness’ recall of an event
  • Brief colleagues about the interview process and its impact on the outcome of an investigation

Comments from course participants

Instructor

Ronald P. Fisher, Ph.D. is a professor of psychology at Florida International University where he has served as a faculty member since 1978. He is on the editorial board of the journal, Memory and Cognition, has authored or co-authored over 40 research articles, numerous book chapters and one book. He has also advised both local and national government agencies on techniques to enhance the quality of interviewing.
Q & A with Ron Fisher on why the CI is more effective than traditional interviewing methods (PDF)

Who May Attend
  • Those who may be involved in transportation accident investigations
  • Those who may be required to conduct interviews as part of any type of investigation
  • Those with an interest in the methodology of obtaining and applying critical data in a transportation accident investigation
  • Members of the academic community attending for research purposes (on a space-available basis)
Accommodations Area hotels and restaurants
Airports Washington Dulles International (IAD): 10 miles
Washington Ronald Reagan National (DCA): 30 miles
Baltimore/Washington International (BWI): 60 miles
More Information Email TrainingCenter@ntsb.gov or call (571) 223-3900