| Abstract: | The timing of misleading questions within an interview (immediate, 7‐week delay) and temperament characteristics as correlates of suggestibility were examined in two experiments. In Experiment 1, 6/7‐year‐olds, 9/10‐year‐olds, and adults were given general‐to‐specific questions at both intervals or misleading questions initially and general‐to‐specific questions at delay. In Experiment 2, 4/5‐year‐olds, 9/10‐year‐olds, and adults were given general‐to‐specific questions at both intervals or general‐to‐specific questions initially and misleading questions at delay. Introducing misleading questions in the initial interview increased suggestibility for peripheral features, whereas suggestibility for central features was found when misleading questions were asked in the delayed interview. Age changes in recall and elaboration for categorical information were found. Some temperament characteristics were associated with age‐related changes in compliance and suggestibility. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
