ABSTRACT
The definition of suggestibility also allows us to consider certain cognitive and social factors. Therefore, it includes subtle suggestions, expectations, stereotypes, and leading questions that may subconsciously alter memories. It also includes explicit bribery attempts, threats, and other forms of social inducement that can cause children to consciously alter their statements without altering the underlying memory. Selective reinforcement is another strategy that, alone or in combination with interviewer bias or misleading questions, increases the degree of suggestibility in children. This reinforcement can be positive, such as approving or agreeing with what the child has just said, praising them, using other rewards, or even indicating that they are showing desirable qualities like being smart and kind. Contradictions are frequently observed when children change their answers to direct questions, such as yes-or-no questions, and to the same questions asked in one or more interviews.
