Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What is a recommended action when interviewing a child for accuracy?

1. Always use leading questions

2. Record interviews when possible

3. Interview multiple times

4. Only ask yes or no questions

The correct answer is: Record interviews when possible

Recording interviews when possible is a recommended action when interviewing a child for accuracy because it provides a clear and objective account of what was communicated during the interview. This recording not only captures the child’s exact words but also their tone, emotions, and the context of the conversation, which can be critical in understanding their perspective. Additionally, having a recorded interview allows for a thorough review and analysis later, ensuring that no important details are misinterpreted or overlooked. Using leading questions, interviewing multiple times, or limiting inquiries to yes or no questions can introduce biases or distort the child's recollection of events. Leading questions may suggest specific answers, while asking only yes or no questions could restrict the child's ability to fully express their thoughts and experiences. Similarly, interviewing multiple times may lead to inconsistencies or pressure on the child, impacting the reliability of the information provided. Therefore, recording the interview stands out as an effective method to bolster accuracy and reliability in a sensitive context.