Interviewing of child witnesses and the detection of deception Short course

Overview

Whether you work with children in the legal system – as a police officer, social worker or teacher, for example – or you're interested in how accurate information is gathered from young witnesses, this short course is for you.

On this 12-week course, you'll learn about the effects of suggestion on children's accounts, unpack recommended interviewing methods, and discuss the importance of witness information for investigations. You'll evaluate the best methods for detecting deception in children, and explore the problems associated with determining truth and lies.

When you complete the course, you'll have improved skills for roles in your chosen field, you'll have learned up-to-date techniques, and you'll be a better advocate for children in interview situations.

Course details

What you'll experience

On this short course, you'll cover:

• Children and Suggestibility
• The Step-Wise Interview
• The Enhanced Cognitive Interview
• The What, When and Why of Children’s Deception
• Behavioural Cues to Children’s Truths and Lies
• Detecting Children’s Truths and Lies

You'll observe and code interviewer behaviour, evaluate the quality of interviews with child witnesses, evaluate objective and subjective cues to deception, and critically assess research methodology concerning the detection of deception.

What's included

You'll get all of the written materials required for this course, with mini-lectures included. You'll also have access to multiple-choice question quizzes to help test your knowledge.

How you're assessed

You'll be assessed through:

• Evaluation of an investigative interview and feedback to the interviewer
• An essay about the myths surrounding the deceptive behaviour of children

You'll get opportunities to test your skills and knowledge through formative assessments. You'll also produce an essay plan to prepare for your final assessment.

Entry requirements

Undergraduate degree or related professional experience.

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