Citation

Orbach Y, Lamb ME. Child Dev. 2007; 78(4): 1100-1120.

Affiliation

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, USA, and Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Cambridge, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1467-8624.2007.01055.x

PMID

17650128

Abstract

Developmental differences in references to temporal attributes of allegedly experienced events were examined in 250 forensic interviews of 4- to 10-year-old alleged victims of sexual abuse. Children's ages, the specific temporal attributes referenced, and the types of memory tapped by the interviewers' questions significantly affected the quantity and quality of temporal references produced. The findings documented age-related increases in 4- to 10-year-olds' references to temporal attributes, using the appropriate relational terminology, both spontaneously and in response to temporal requests. More references to temporal attributes were elicited from recall than from recognition memory, highlighting spontaneous reporting capabilities. Implications for theories concerning the developing understanding of temporal concepts and for the design of effective, age-appropriate, forensic interview techniques are discussed.

Language: en