Memory for facial features deteriorates over time, diminishing one's ability to construct an accurate visual likeness of a face (i.e. a facial composite). In Experiment 1, we investigated how retention interval impacts composite construction. Participants recalled an unfamiliar face during a Cognitive Interview (CI) and constructed a feature composite across four post-encoding retention intervals. Correct composite naming declined sharply after a 3-4 hour retention interval, remained stable at two days, and dropped to floor-level after one week. Experiments 2-4 examined how composite effectiveness was influenced by the incorporation of two factors: (a) a novel, self-administered written face-recall attempt, conducted 3-4 hours after encoding, and (b) a standard or modified holistic recall elicited immediately before construction. Participant-witnesses created more identifiable likenesses when early recall was invited, suggesting that this intervention consolidated and enhanced access to facial-feature information. The addition of a character-based interview further improved both feature and holistic composites.
Keywords: Facial composite; face memory; holistic interview; retention interval; self-administered interview.
We identify two simple, practical techniques to improve the effectiveness of facial composites across different systems. Firstly, eliciting written descriptions of the face from witnesses, shortly after encoding. Secondly, asking witnesses to rate how they perceive aspects of the target’s personality from their face (holistic recall) immediately before construction.