Reverse-order recall effects of episodic memory

The Cognitive Interview's "reverse-order" step has not been empirically tested as an effective procedure for enhancing witnesses' recall. This step could plausibly enhance memory for later-in-an-event details. Twenty-one undergraduate psychology students viewed a 20 minute video-taped abduction and were tested for recall of details 48 hours later. Two groups provided a narrative description of the video in either forward or reverse order prior to testing. A control group completed the test without providing a narrative description. Analysis indicated a main effect for Group F(2,62)=3.23, p<.05 and Serial Position F(2,62)=9.89, p<.01. The reverse-order group did not recall later details better than either the forward-order or control groups. These results suggest further studies to validate the inclusion of the reverse narrative step in the overall technique