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Coaching, Truth Induction, and Young Maltreated Children's False Allegations and False Denials

Thomas D. Lyon, University of Southern California
Lindsay C. Malloy, University of California, Irvine
J A. Quas, University of California, Irvine
Victoria A. Talwar, McGill University

Article comments

79 Child Development 914 (2008) The paper can be downloaded at http://works.bepress.com/thomaslyon/54/

The full text of this version of the article is not currently available online.

Abstract

This study examined the effect of coaching (encouragement and rehearsal of false reports) and truth induction (a child-friendly version of the oath or general reassurance about the consequences of disclosure) on 4- to 7-year-old maltreated children's reports (N = 198). Children were questioned using free recall, repeated yes/no questions, and highly suggestive suppositional questions. Coaching impaired children's accuracy. For free recall and repeated yes/no questions, the oath exhibited some positive effects, but this effect diminished in the face of highly suggestive questions. Reassurance had few positive effects, and no ill-effects. Neither age nor understanding of the meaning and negative consequences of lying consistently predicted accuracy. The results support the utility of truth induction in enhancing the accuracy of child witnesses' reports.

Subject Area

Criminal Law and Procedure, Domestic Relations, Evidence, Juveniles, Psychology and Psychiatry

Recommended Citation

Thomas D. Lyon, Lindsay C. Malloy, J A. Quas, and Victoria A. Talwar, "Coaching, Truth Induction, and Young Maltreated Children's False Allegations and False Denials" (May 2009). University of Southern California. University of Southern California Legal Studies Working Paper Series. Working Paper 38.
http://law.bepress.com/usclwps/lss/art38

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