Children’s perceptions of note-taking during interviews

Abstract

During forensic interviews with children, interviewers frequently use best practice protocols which emphasize the use of open-ended and cued-invitation questions in order to maximize productivity of the children’s narrative while minimizing the potential for suggestions. Despite the potential utility of note-taking practices in formulating cued-invitation questions, little is known in terms of the potential impact of note-taking practices during forensic interviews with children. In the current study, child participants (N = 52, Mage = 9.6, 6 to 12 years old) watched a series of interviews (8 videos) that displayed an adult interviewing a child with differences in note-taking procedure (i.e., no notes condition, notes condition, notes introduced condition, no notes and looking down condition). Child participants were then asked to rate the interviewers and the use of note-taking. This study found that a high percentage of participants noticed when note-taking occurred during interviews, with significantly more positive perceptions of relationship quality when note-taking was introduced, while also reporting some nervousness during the note-taking conditions. However, comfort levels remained unaffected by whether the interviewer was taking notes, indicating that while note-taking influences certain perceptions, it does not affect children’s comfort overall in the interview setting. The current research provides valuable information on children’s perceptions of note-taking during interviews, which will impact recommendations for forensic interviewing practices with vulnerable and maltreated populations.