Assessing the Veracity of Children’s Forensic Interviews

Henderson, Hayden M.; Andrews, Samantha J.

Abstract

This chapter discusses the various ways in which the veracity of children’s forensic interviews can be assessed, and the implications this diversity has for the courtroom. Beforehand, it summarizes the capabilities and vulnerabilities children bring to forensic settings, and then what constitutes veracity, the importance this concept has in legal settings, and how it is typically measured. Reality Monitoring (RM) and Criteria-Based Content Analysis (CBCA) are reviewed alongside experimental and field research designed to elucidate the ways in which interview “quality” can be improved. The usefulness of best practice guidelines, such as the NICHD Investigative Interview Protocol, in assessing quality is considered. Difficulties for translating research into practice are discussed. The implications these factors have for the examination of children in court are then considered, and the experimental and field research is reviewed. The chapter ends by outlining directions for future research.

Citation

Henderson, H. M., & Andrews, S. J. (2017). Assessing the Veracity of Children’s Forensic Interviews. In Finding the Truth in the Courtroom: Dealing with Deception, Lies, and Memories. Oxford University Press (OUP). https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190612016.003.0006

• Publication Date: Oct 19, 2017
• Deposit Date: May 25, 2023
• Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
• Book Title: Finding the Truth in the Courtroom: Dealing with Deception, Lies, and Memories
• ISBN: 9780190612016
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190612016.003.0006
• Keywords: Forensic interviewing, credibility assessment, criteria-based content analysis, report characteristics questionnaire, NICHD Investigative Interview Protocol, children, testimonial credibility
• Publisher URL: https://academic.oup.com/book/2678/chapter/143104974