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Do Children Understand Their Own Memory? 
Dr Ruman Hayre, Madeleine Ingham & Dr Melissa Colloff
Email us: child-memory-study@contacts.bham.ac.uk

What is the study about?

Children who are witnesses to crimes are often seen as unreliable as their memory ability is still developing. Yet, a new body of research has challenged previous beliefs, by providing evidence that young children can assess their own memory because they know when their memories are accurate or not. In this study, we are inviting typically developing children aged 4 to 11 (Reception to Year 6) to understand if confidence (e.g. "I'm sure/not sure") and gestures (e.g. shrugs) can tell us if children understand their own memory ability. Children will receive a £10 Amazon voucher and certificate (can be used in the UK only).

The study will be run via webcam with your child and a parent/carer present at all times. A researcher will explain the task step-by-step and record the session. It will take approx. 45 minutes, including breaks. We have made the task into a game (Great Detective Game) to make the whole experience enjoyable! This study has full ethical approval from the University of Birmingham and all researchers have a valid DBS.

What happens in the study?

What is the impact?

This research is run by the University of Birmingham and the UKRI Economic & Social Research Council. We are in partnership with the charity Operation Encompass. This study will help us to improve the UK Child Interview Protocol in the Criminal Justice System.

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If you have any queries or would like to take part, please email Dr Ruman Hayre or Madeleine Ingham at:
child-memory-study@contacts.bham.ac.uk

I'm interested!

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