It is important to note that children’s suggestibility refers to their vulnerability to external influences that can affect the accuracy and reliability of their memories and testimony. It is a well-established phenomenon that has been studied extensively in developmental psychology and forensic science. By understanding the nature of children’s suggestibility and the implications for forensic interviewing, professionals can ensure that children’s rights are protected and that justice is served in a fair and impartial manner.
In forensic interviewing, suggestibility is a critical issue because it can lead to false allegations, wrongful convictions, and other serious consequences. Firstly, in ‘Mousetrap Studies,’ participants watched a film about a car accident and were then asked a question about the speed of the vehicles involved (Lyon, “New Wave” 1004). The results showed that participants who were asked the question using the word “smashed” were more likely to report seeing broken glass in the film, even though there was none.
Secondly, in ‘Sam Stone Studies,’ people were shown a video of a robbery and then later asked to imagine a scene that was not actually in the video, where the robber had a gun. The findings showed that participants who had imagined the gun were more likely to report having seen a gun in the video when asked about it later (Lyon, “Let’s Not” 12). Thirdly, in ‘Lost in a Mall Studies,’ participants were given a booklet containing four short stories about their childhood, one of which was a false story about getting lost in a mall (Blizard and Morgan 20). The results showed that some participants incorrectly remembered the false events.
In conclusion, the studies show that suggestive interview techniques, such as repeated questioning, pressure, praise, or promises, can distort children’s memories and impair their ability to provide reliable information about their experiences. It is critical to minimize the risk of contamination or manipulation. Forensic interviewers should be aware of children’s suggestibility and use evidence-based, non-suggestive interviewing techniques that promote accurate and comprehensive disclosure.
Works Cited
Blizard, Ruth A., and Morgan Shaw. “Lost-In-The-Mall: False Memory or False Defense?” Journal of Child Custody, vol. 16, no. 1, 2019, pp. 20-41.
Lyon, Thomas D. “New Wave in Children’s Suggestibility Research: A Critique” Cornell Law Review, vol. 84, no. 4, 1999, pp. 1004-1087.
“Let’s Not Exaggerate the Suggestibility of Children.” National Children’s Advocacy Center, 2001, Web.