Final answer:
To minimize fear when interviewing a child, set up a comfortable environment, use everyday information to start conversations, and maintain eye contact. Use neutral language to aid in accurate recall and introduce yourself clearly to ease anxiety. Understand developmental stages like stranger anxiety to approach the child sensitively.
Step-by-step explanation:
When interviewing a child to minimize their fear, consider implementing a set of practices that create a supportive and non-threatening environment. Start by setting up your interview space in a quiet room with optimal lighting and a neutral background to minimize distractions. Make use of everyday habitual information to initiate conversations in a non-intimidating manner. This could include asking the child if they've washed their hands or about their favorite book. It's also important to maintain eye contact to demonstrate your full engagement during the interview.
Moreover, using neutral and less leading language can help children more accurately recall events, which has been underscored by research findings from Goodman and Pipe. Additionally, explaining who you are and the purpose of the interview can make the situation less intimidating for the child. Lastly, being cognizant of children's developmental stages, such as stranger anxiety as identified by Piaget, can help you approach the interview with the appropriate sensitivity.