Memory Recall Accuracy in Child Witnesses

Abstract

Children frequently serve as key witnesses in criminal investigations, particularly in cases involving domestic violence, abuse, or school-related incidents. However, memory recall in children differs from adult memory due to developmental cognitive constraints, suggestibility, emotional context, and differences in language comprehension. This study synthesizes developmental psychology, forensic interviewing research, cognitive neuroscience, and legal practices to examine the accuracy of memory recall among child witnesses. A conceptual model, the Developmental Memory–Forensic Interaction Model (DM-FIM), is proposed to explain how encoding, retention, retrieval, and external influences affect testimony accuracy. Findings indicate that memory accuracy improves with age, supportive environments, open-ended questioning, and trauma-informed interviewing, while decreases occur due to leading questions, repeated interviews, stress, and authority pressure. The paper emphasizes ethical interviewing techniques and legal safeguards.