Event Report Training: An Examination of the Efficacy of a New Intervention to Improve Children's Eyewitness Reports

摘要

This study tested the efficacy of Event Report Training (ERT), a training procedure designed to improve children's memory reports and decrease suggestibility. Children (N = 58) participated in two forensically relevant play events. Two weeks later, children received ERT or participated in control procedures, after which they received a memory interview. Results indicated that ERT decreased suggestibility to abuse-related questions in preschoolers; their responses were highly accurate and age differences were eliminated. ERT did not increase the amount of information preschoolers provided in response to open-ended questions. However, with ERT 7- to 8-year-olds reported 32% more information which included a 32% increase in actions, without an accompanying increase in incorrect information. Due to school-aged children's high accuracy rates, it was impossible to gauge the effectiveness of ERT in reducing suggestibility. The failure to obtain an effect of ERT in preschoolers' open-ended recall is discussed in terms of their cognitive-developmental limitations.