Hopefully you’ve watched the TV show Columbo. Curious about what this character has to do with psychology? You’d be surprised. In this episode I analyze Columbo in terms of the psychological technique called motivational interviewing. I also take a look at the criminal lineup scene in the Jennifer Garner movie, “Peppermint“. I also explain why you remember how to ride a bike but can’t remember where you put your cell phone. Along the way we learn about Semantic vs. Procedural memory.

Resources

• • The Psychology Of Columbo by Mark D. Griffiths, Ph.D

• • Procedural Memory: Definition and Examples

• • Principles and Techniques of Motivational Interviewing

• • The Best Way to Interrogate: Think Columbo

• • Why Don’t We Forget How to Ride a Bike? – Boris Suchan