ERIC Number: EJ1315928
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0888-4080
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Intermediaries and Cross-Examination Resilience in Children: The Development of a Novel Experimental Methodology
Applied Cognitive Psychology, v35 n6 p1387-1404 Nov-Dec 2021
Experimental studies examining child 'witnesses' under cross-examination typically rely on researchers questioning children using a 'barrister's script'. In the current research, experienced barristers used a defence statement from a mock perpetrator (who committed a theft 11 months earlier) to challenge typically developing children's evidence under cross-examination. We also assessed whether Registered Intermediaries (RIs), trained professionals who facilitate communication between vulnerable witnesses and members of the justice system, help children reduce compliance with misleading cross-examination suggestions. Results demonstrated that children (6-11 years) complied with barristers' challenges to a high degree: 94% agreed with at least one of the barristers' seven false suggestions. However, when assisted by an RI, children were significantly less compliant with barrister challenges. These findings, and additional analyses of the nature of child responses and barrister questions, provide novel exploratory evidence for the beneficial role of RIs in tempering the adverse effects of cross-examination style questioning for children.
Descriptors: Children, Resilience (Psychology), Evidence, Compliance (Psychology), Lawyers, Questioning Techniques, Responses
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Data File: URL: https://doi.org/10.5255/UKDA-SN-852471
Author Affiliations: N/A