Qualifying Children to Take the Oath:
Materials for Interviewing Professionals
[7-420] Article
T Lyon and K Saywitz, “Qualifying Children to Take the Oath: Materials for Interviewing Professionals”, May 2000.
Abstract
This paper presents materials to assist in determining whether a child witness understands the difference between the truth and lies and appreciates the importance of telling the truth. The research suggests that common techniques used to qualify young children often misevaluate children’s true capabilities.
The child interview guide was designed to minimise the difficulties children face in defining and discussing the truth and lies, and to ensure that children will not falsely appear competent due to guessing or following the lead of the questioner.
Acknowledgment: this article was prepared by Thomas D Lyon and Karen J Saywitz, May 2000. Reproduced with permission.