Encouraging children's clarification requests with “I don't understand” rule reminders

Abstract

When children are questioned, it is crucial they request clarification to resolve potential misunderstandings. The current research tested a method for increasing children's appropriate clarification requests during an interview, and examined the impact of age and question characteristics. Children (n = 81), ages 6- to 11-years-old, responded to scripted questions, some of which were designed to be “tricky” and required clarification. Half of the children received “I don't understand” (IDU) rule reminders during the interview. Older children and children who received IDU rule reminders requested clarification to a significantly greater proportion of tricky questions than younger children and children who did not receive reminders. Results indicate that children can recognize when they need clarification, and reminding them of the IDU rule increases the frequency with which they request clarification. Children's ability to request clarification provides insight into children's metacognitive abilities and has implications for those who question children across contexts (e.g., forensic, research).