Children aged 7-10 needed for research study
We are looking for children between the ages of 7 and 10 to play some fun activities (e.g., Connect4, Jenga) with a researcher. Children will then witness a mock theft and will be asked questions about it.
About the study
Police officers in the UK use Truth and Lies Discussions (TLDs) when interviewing children. The aim of TLDs is to remind the child of the importance of telling the truth during the interview.
We are investigating the effect of TLDs on children's truth-telling behaviour. Children will witness a mock theft, then will be asked to tell the researcher what happened. The aim of this study is to examine the differences in children's truth/lie-telling behaviour across three different conditions (i.e., control, listening to a TLD story, watching a TLD scenario in a video format).
The results of this study will inform policymakers in the UK on evidence-based interviewing strategies that effectively promote honesty in children.
What will participants be doing?
Participants will first play some fun games with a Research Assistant, such as Jenga and Connect4. During their playtime, the Researcher will come across a wallet containing £20. The Researcher will bring the wallet to the participant's attention and inform them that they will report the wallet to the security. The Researcher will place the wallet on a high shelf out of the participant's reach and will leave the room. During the Researcher's absence, the Research Assistant will pick the wallet and pretend to steal £5. The Research Assistant will ask the participant not to tell anyone about the theft. Then, the Research Assistant and the participant will continue to play games. Upon the Researcher's return, the Research Assistant will leave the room and allow the Researcher to play with the participant. The Researcher will then randomly assign the participant to either (i) a control condition, (ii) a TLD scenario in a story format, or (iii) a TLD scenario in a video format. The Researcher will then ask the participant interview questions about what happened in the room while they were gone.
Duration
One session of 45 minutes.
Apply
If you have any questions, or wish to apply for the study, you should contact the researcher, Gadda Salhab (gadda.salhab@port.ac.uk).
Participant characteristics:
- children aged 7-10 years old
- any gender
- Exclusion criteria: Children with severe learning differences (e.g., Dyslexia) or diagnosed neurodivergent conditions (e.g., ADHD, Autism).
Reward for taking part
Participants can pick a small gift from a box of toys
Location
Department of Psychology, King Henry's Building, King Henry I Street, Portsmouth, PO1 2DY
Closing date
15 March 2023