Premium
Child witness research and forensic interviews of young children: A review
Author(s) -
Goodman Gail S.,
Melinder Annika
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
legal and criminological psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.65
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 2044-8333
pISSN - 1355-3259
DOI - 10.1348/135532506x156620
Subject(s) - witness , psychology , guard (computer science) , eyewitness memory , eyewitness testimony , false memory , developmental psychology , social psychology , recall , cognitive psychology , political science , law , computer science , programming language
In this article, we provide an introduction to child eyewitness memory issues that are frequently discussed and debated, both within the research and practice communities. We review several of the central areas of research on child eyewitness memory and some of the most promising protocols aimed at standardizing and improving child forensic interviews. We focus primarily on memory in young children, because they pose particular challenges. Research on the use of props and external cues to prompt young children's memory is discussed. We also review research on professionals' knowledge and attitudes about children as witnesses. It is concluded that we must guard against overly negative or overly optimistic views of children's abilities.