Question

When children are interviewed about their recollections of an event, their reports are especially credible if

a. they are asked specific, detailed questions about the issue rather than more general, open-ended questions.
b. after responding to an interviewer, they are repeatedly asked the same question they just answered.
c. they are asked nonleading questions by a neutral interviewer soon after the possible abuse.
d. they use anatomically correct dolls to indicate if and where they had been physically touched

Answer 1

Children's reports about events are more credible when they are asked nonleading questions by a neutral interviewer shortly after the event, as it prevents alteration of their memories and ensures more reliable accounts.

Step-by-step explanation:

When children are interviewed about their recollections of an event, their reports are especially credible if they are asked nonleading questions by a neutral interviewer soon after the possible abuse. Repeated or leading questions can alter a child's memory, leading to unreliable accounts, which has been demonstrated in various studies, including works by Elizabeth Loftus and others. According to research by Goodman, Pipe, Lamb, Orbach, and Esplin, the use of neutral, non-suggestive language in interviews aids in more accurate memory recall by children.

This technique minimizes the suggestibility that can occur during interviews. Researchers warn against the use of anatomically correct dolls or specific, detailed questioning without proper context as these can lead to false reports of abuse.

Elizabeth Loftus has famously criticized techniques that could lead to the creation of false memories, such as guided visualization or hypnosis, while studies have also highlighted that repressed memories can sometimes surface during therapy, though their accuracy can be controversial.