Can Children Be Useful Witnesses? It Depends How They Are Questioned. (11th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brown, Deirdre A.; Lamb, Michael E.
• Is Part Of: Child development perspectives. Volume 9:Number 4(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 250
• Page End: 255
• Publication Date: 2015-09-11
• Subjects: children -- forensic interviews -- questioning -- eyewitness testimony; Child development -- Periodicals; 302.231
• DOI: 10.1111/cdep.12142
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-8592

Abstract

Abstract: For several decades, researchers have examined how children develop autobiographical memory, demonstrating that even young children report useful information about their experiences. However, the way adults question children influences profoundly the amount and nature of what children report. This research is relevant for the many contexts in which children are questioned (e.g., criminal investigations, courtroom proceedings, clinical settings). In this article, we briefly review developmental changes in how children respond to various kinds of questions. And we reflect on the implications for research and practice when children are interviewed to determine what they have experienced.