A Study Space Analysis for Multiple Interviewing of Child Witnesses

This article presents a study space analysis of 44 published research studies examining the use of multiple interviews with child victims/witnesses. Study space analysis is a method of detecting gaps in the existing literature and thus determining whether ecologically valid situations that arise in practice have actually been addressed and studied. The use of this methodology is particularly useful for techniques which are being considered for changes in policy or practice, ensuring that the literature is sufficient to warrant change. Multiple or repeated interviewing has been argued by some authors to be ready for change. However, in the present study space analysis, it is concluded that despite a growing literature, there are still some key variables which require research examination prior to policy change. In particular, research is needed involving samples of children between 11 and 18 years old, participants with multiple needs and interviews regarding repeated events. Findings from the online supplementary material also identify the need for studies with longer delays between the event and the initial interview, more than two interviews of a child, phased multiple interviews and interviews conducted by professional interviewers. ‘This article presents a study space analysis of 44 published research studies examining the use of multiple interviews with child victims/witnesses’. Key Practitioner Messages: Some researchers suggest that interviewing a child more than once about an event can be beneficial for police investigations as it leads to additional accurate details. This study concludes that there are key variables yet to be studied under controlled conditions and thus more research is required before comprehensive policy change is recommended. Future research is required with adolescent participants, children with multiple needs and interviews about repeated events.