NCJ Number
199294
Journal
International Journal of Police Science and Management Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: Winter 2002 Pages: 315-322
Date Published
2002
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article reviews previous research concerning the effects of interviewer style on the responses of child witnesses and presents the results of a new study.
Abstract
The authors explain that relatively little research has been done concerning how interviewer style affects the responses of child witnesses. In exploring this issue, the authors review the studies that have been done on this topic and then they present the results of their own study on this topic. Under scrutiny is the question of whether an authoritative style of interviewing is more likely to lead child witnesses to agree with misleading statements. Past research and recommendations in this area suggest that a less abrasive tone and demeanor is likely to elicit the most positive results from child witnesses or victims. In order to test this assumption, the authors designed a 2X3 mixed designed study in which half of the 12 child participants were interviewed in an authoritative manner and half were interviewed in a non-authoritative manner. Interviewer style varied in tone, facial expression, and body posture. Results of ANOVA analysis revealed that child witnesses were more likely to agree with misleading statements issued by authoritative interviewers. As such, the authors caution that interviewer style, manner, and behavior should be considered when interviewing child witnesses or victims in order to elicit the most accurate responses possible. References