Talwar & Crossman (2012)

Talwar & Crossman (2012)

1. Examines lie-telling in child witness testimony

   • Fabrication/Misrepresentation/Denial
     • May be coached by an adult
       • Custody Battle
         • Reports of Abuse
       • Negative Consequences
         • Maltreatment Cases
       • Results suggest children will lie for others
         • May be motivated to lie only when it does not negatively affect them
         • More likely to lie for parents when knew they would not get blamed
     • Children tell lies from an early age
       • Not skilled - Leak information
         • Age improves ability to maintain lies
   • Ability to Lie requires....
     • understanding of beliefs & false beliefs
       • executive functioning abilities.......
         • Working Memory & Inhibitory Control
           • Children with developmental issues
             • Less likely to be capable of generating or maintaining false reports
           • Young witnesses less capable of lying effectively when elaboration req.