Children recognize conflicting intent in testimony.
Abstract
= 96) assessed the reliability of gossipers' claims by considering conflicting intent that arose based on the gossipers' group membership and the valence of gossip. Nine-year-olds, but not 7-year-olds, were less likely to endorse negative gossip ("I heard she often lies") than positive gossip ("I heard she tells the truth") by outgroup members. Overall, these findings indicate a developmental shift in children's recognition of potential conflicting intent in testimony and their trust in testimony. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
Fields of Study & Subjects
Child and Animal Learning Development
Evolutionary Game Theory and Cooperation
Language and cultural evolution
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Developmental Psychology
- Publisher
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Publication date
- 23 February 2026
- Language
- EN