Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) Practice Exam

The __________ is a non-leading, neutral conversation with a child about potentially harmful events.

1. Cognitive interview

2. Forensic interview

3. Therapeutic session

4. Informal chat

The correct answer is: Forensic interview

The term that best describes a non-leading, neutral conversation with a child about potentially harmful events is the forensic interview. Forensic interviews are designed to gather factual information while minimizing trauma and leading questions, ensuring that the child feels safe and comfortable sharing their experiences. This method is often employed in legal contexts to obtain evidence regarding abuse or other harmful situations without suggesting answers or influencing the child's recollection. The other options present different contexts or types of interactions. A cognitive interview typically focuses on helping a witness or victim recall information more accurately, often incorporating specific techniques to enhance memory retrieval. A therapeutic session centers on psychological healing and support, addressing emotional well-being rather than solely gathering information related to a traumatic event. An informal chat, while perhaps neutral, lacks the structured approach and objective of collecting pertinent details in potentially harmful situations.