Children's Eyewitness Testimony and Event Memory

This Element examines how children's accuracy in reporting on events is influenced by factors such as short- and long-term memory, memory for stressful events, memory for the temporal order of events, memory for the spatial location of events, poorly worded questions, intervening events, and individual differences in language development, understanding right from wrong, and emotions. It also considers how potential jurors perceive children as eyewitnesses and how the research on children's event memory informs best practices for interviewing children.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This Element delves into the intricate factors that impact children's accuracy in recounting events, shedding light on their potential as reliable eyewitnesses. It explores a range of topics, including:

Short- and long-term memory for event details: Understanding how children retain and recall specific information about an event is crucial in assessing their eyewitness testimony.

Memory for stressful events: Children may experience heightened stress and anxiety during traumatic events, which can affect their memory recall. Understanding the impact of stress on memory is essential in evaluating their reliability.

Memory for the temporal order of events: Children's ability to remember the sequence of events is vital in reconstructing the events accurately. Factors such as distractions, interruptions, and memory biases can influence their temporal memory.

Memory for the spatial location of events: Children's ability to recall the location of events is crucial in providing precise details about the incident. Factors such as visual cues, landmarks, and environmental context can play a role in their spatial memory.

The influence of poorly worded questions or intervening events on memory: Children's responses can be influenced by the way questions are phrased or by external factors that occur during the interview process. Understanding how these factors can affect memory is essential in conducting accurate interviews.

Individual differences in language development, understanding right from wrong, and emotions: Children's language skills, moral development, and emotional awareness can all impact their ability to report on events. Understanding these differences is crucial in interpreting their testimony.

The perception of potential jurors towards children as eyewitnesses: Jurors' attitudes and beliefs about children's credibility as witnesses can have a significant impact on the outcome of a case. Understanding how potential jurors perceive children as eyewitnesses is essential in developing effective interviewing strategies.

Drawing from the research on children's event memory, this Element provides valuable insights into best practices for interviewing children. It emphasizes the importance of using age-appropriate language, creating a comfortable and supportive environment, minimizing distractions, and employing specific questioning techniques to enhance children's memory recall and accuracy.

By examining these factors, this Element aims to enhance our understanding of children's event memory and its implications for their role as eyewitnesses. It serves as a valuable resource for legal professionals, educators, and researchers working in the field of child development and eyewitness testimony.

Weight: 118g
ISBN-13: 9781009124379