In a pioneering study aimed at revolutionizing child investigative interviewing, researchers have unveiled promising results regarding the engagement of child abuse investigators with a cutting-edge online child-avatar named LiveSimulation (LiveSim). The study, titled “A Field Assessment of Child Abuse Investigators’ Engagement with a Child-Avatar to Develop Interviewing Skills,” offers novel insights into the effectiveness of this unique training approach.
Key Findings:
- Complex Skill Development: Child investigative interviewing is recognized as a complex skill that demands specialized training. Practice is identified as a critical element in honing this skill, prompting researchers to explore innovative training methods.
- LiveSim: A Cost-Effective Solution: The study introduces LiveSim, an online child-avatar that facilitates training by allowing trainees, primarily child protection workers and police professionals, to select questions (option-tree) with the avatar responding appropriately in terms of detail.
- Engagement Patterns: The research, conducted between 2009 and 2018 with 606 professionals, showcased robust engagement with LiveSim. Trainees demonstrated positive interaction patterns, highlighting the effectiveness of the avatar in enhancing their interviewing skills.
- Technical Compatibility: A compatibility study revealed that LiveSim is technically robust, accommodating different hardware configurations. The program’s accessibility and functionality were tested, paving the way for its potential integration into training courses.
- Support for Avatar Utility: The study provides strong support for the utility of avatars in training, particularly in the development of learning simulations using next-generation technology. LiveSim’s simplicity, coupled with its ability to engage users effectively, positions it as a valuable tool in the advancement of training methodologies.
This breakthrough in utilizing avatars for training purposes marks a potential paradigm shift in the ongoing efforts to equip professionals with the necessary skills to handle child abuse investigations more effectively. As technology continues to play a pivotal role in various domains, this study showcases its potential to enhance crucial aspects of child protection work.