Dr. G: The Mind Behind the Method

How Dr. R. Edward Geiselman Changed the Way We Ask Questions — and Why It Matters for Leaders Today

In the world of law enforcement, intelligence, and behavioral science, one name consistently rises to the top when it comes to the psychology of interviewing: Dr. R. Edward Geiselman — or as he’s known by those in the field, Dr. G.

As the co-developer of the Cognitive Interview and a longtime professor at UCLA, Dr. G has made it his life’s work to answer a critical question:

“How do we ask questions in a way that actually uncovers the truth?”

That question has led to a revolutionary interviewing method, decades of groundbreaking research, and global impact that reaches far beyond the walls of academia.

Today, his work isn’t just helping investigators — it’s shaping how leaders across sectors communicate, build trust, and make better decisions.

From Engineering to Psychology — and Into the Interview Room

Dr. Geiselman’s path wasn’t typical. He started by studying engineering and psychology at Purdue University, then went on to earn both his Master’s and Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology at Ohio University. In 1979, he joined the faculty at UCLA, where he served as a Professor of Psychology for over 30 years.

During that time, he published over 100 research papers and authored multiple influential books — including Memory Enhancing Techniques for Investigative Interviewing: The Cognitive Interview, The Psychology of Murder, and Eyewitness Expert Testimony.

But his most notable contribution? Co-developing the Cognitive Interview (CI) with colleague Dr. Ronald Fisher — a technique that would reshape the landscape of modern investigative interviewing.

What Is the Cognitive Interview?

The Cognitive Interview is a structured, science-based method for eliciting accurate, detailed, and truthful information from witnesses or subjects — without coercion, suggestion, or pressure.

It works by tapping into how memory is stored and retrieved, using psychological techniques that increase recall while reducing false information.

Key elements include:

• Context Reinstatement: Helping the subject mentally return to the scene of the event

• Free Narrative Recall: Encouraging the full story in their own words before asking specifics

• Change of Perspective: Asking them to describe the event from another person’s view

• Reverse Order Recall: Having them recount the event backwards to trigger overlooked details

These techniques lead to significantly more reliable and complete information — which has major implications not just for investigations, but for leadership, coaching, performance evaluations, and conflict resolution.

Trusted by the World’s Top Agencies

Dr. Geiselman’s methods have been adopted by elite institutions across the globe, and he’s provided training to agencies such as:

• FBI

• U.S. Secret Service

• Department of Homeland Security

• Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

• Singapore Police Force

• Health and Human Services

• U.S. Marine Corps

• Walter Reed Army Medical Center

• Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption

He has also conducted cold case interviews for local law enforcement and served as a consultant for high-profile investigations.

Why Leaders Should Care

At Proactive Leadership, we know that the power of the Cognitive Interview goes far beyond criminal justice. It’s a leadership tool — one that helps teams communicate honestly, resolve conflict quickly, and make mission-critical decisions with clarity.

When leaders learn to ask better questions, create space for authentic responses, and listen without bias, they unlock:

• Faster trust

• Deeper insight

• Better outcomes

Whether you're running a team, managing a crisis, or leading change — Dr. G’s work gives you a tactical edge in the conversations that matter most.

Recognized Excellence

In 2013, Dr. Geiselman was awarded the Mary-Ellen McCormick Award by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department for his lifetime contributions to the investigation of child abuse cases — a testament to the impact and integrity of his work.

Even now, his methods continue to evolve, empowering leaders, investigators, and communicators to see more clearly and lead more effectively.

Watch Dr. G in Action

To better understand the science and strategy behind the Cognitive Interview, check out this informative video featuring explaining the Cognitive Interview:

🎥 The Cognitive Interview – Geiselman & Fisher

Final Thought

Dr. G didn’t just change how we ask questions. He changed what’s possible when we ask them the right way.

Ready to bring the power of these techniques to your team?

👉 Let’s talk about leadership training that’s built on trust, clarity, and science.