Children's Testimony Strays Off Topic More Often in Face-to-Face Than in Tele-Forensic Interviews

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted on-screen interviews of child witnesses. This study of 71 children (4–8 years) who recalled a staged event in face-to-face or tele-forensic interviews found significantly more off-topic conversation during the face-to-face conversations. Results provide reassurance that on-screen interviews do not promote potentially confusing off-topic talk.