Attorney Questioning

ATTORNEY QUESTIONING

Description: Attorneys play an important role in helping children communicate their experiences in court. However, questions can vary considerably in their structure, complexity, and potential to elicit accurate information. The Attorney Questioning Study examines how practicing trial attorneys evaluate different types of questions posed to child witnesses. We are especially interested in whether attorneys’ evaluations vary depending on the type of question, the subject being discussed, and whether the questions are presented as coming from a prosecutor or defense attorney. By learning directly from attorneys with courtroom experience, this study may help researchers better understand how professional roles, legal practices, and courtroom expectations shape the questioning of child witnesses. The findings may ultimately inform future attorney training and recommendations for developmentally appropriate questioning.

Compensation: $10 Amazon gift card for completing the study.

Eligibility:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Are a currently practicing trial attorney in the United States
- Have previously conducted a direct examination or cross-examination of a child in court
- Are proficient in English

Eligibility will be confirmed through a few brief questions at the beginning of the survey.

If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please email us at attorneyquestioningstudy@gmail.com !

ATTORNEY QUESTIONING FAQ

What will I be asked to do?

Participation takes place entirely online. You will read two brief courtroom scenarios involving questions posed to a child witness. For each scenario, you will evaluate several question types, including open-ended, wh-, option- posing, yes/no, and leading or suggestive questions.

You will be asked to rate qualities such as:
- The effectiveness of each question
- Whether the question is developmentally appropriate
- How likely it is to elicit accurate information
- The question’s linguistic complexity
- The extent to which the question is leading or suggestive

You will also be invited to briefly explain some of your ratings and answer questions about your professional background, workplace experiences, occupational stress, organizational support, and prior experiences with adverse events. Some scenarios and questions refer to sensitive topics, including child abuse or maltreatment.

You may skip any question that you do not wish to answer.

How long does the study take?

The study takes approximately 30 minutes and is completed in one online session. There are no required follow-up sessions.

How is my information protected?

Survey responses will be collected without requiring your name or other direct identifying information.

Contact information may be requested separately for the purpose of providing compensation or allowing you to hear about future research opportunities. Providing contact information for future studies is optional, and this information will be stored separately from your survey responses.

Study data will be stored on secure, password-protected university servers and will be accessible only to authorized members of the research team. Findings will be reported in combined form so that individual participants cannot be identified.

Are there any risks or benefits?

This study involves minimal risk. Some participants may experience mild discomfort when reading courtroom scenarios involving child abuse or when reflecting on stressful professional or personal experiences.

There may be no direct benefit to you from participating. However, your responses may contribute to a better understanding of attorney questioning practices and may help inform future research, professional training, and best-practice recommendations for questioning child witnesses.

Is participation voluntary?

Yes. Participation is completely voluntary. You may choose not to participate, skip questions, or stop the survey at any time without penalty.

Do I need extensive experience questioning children?

No specific minimum number of cases is required. However, you must have previously conducted at least one direct examination or cross-examination of a child in court.

Do I need to be a prosecutor or defense attorney?

Both prosecutors and defense attorneys are encouraged to participate.

Is this study limited to attorneys who currently handle child abuse cases?

No. You may be eligible if you are a practicing trial attorney and have previously questioned a child in court, even if child witness cases are not the primary focus of your current practice.

Will I be asked to provide information about an actual case?

No. The study uses hypothetical courtroom scenarios. Please do not include names, case numbers, or other identifying information about clients, witnesses, or cases in your written responses.

Will my employer or professional organization know that I participated?

No. Your individual participation and responses will not be shared with your employer, professional organization, or other outside parties.

Can I participate using a phone or tablet?

The study may be accessible on different devices, but completing it on a computer or tablet with a reliable internet connection is recommended so that the courtroom scenarios and rating questions are easy to view.professional organization, or other outside parties.