In a multimethod model of assessment, child interviews are most helpful for which purpose?

• A. Quantifying the frequency of behaviors across informants
• B. Diagnosing cognitive impairment through interview data
• C. Establishing rapport and to better understand the child's perspective on the issue
• D. Verifying parental reports

Answer: (C)

Child interviews in a multimethod assessment are most helpful for establishing rapport and understanding the child’s own perspective on the issue. Speaking with the child in an open, nonjudgmental way lets you hear how they describe the problem, what their concerns and goals are, and how they explain their own behaviors. This firsthand, insider view provides essential context for interpreting information from other sources and helps identify discrepancies between what adults report and what the child experiences. It also promotes the child’s engagement in the process, which can improve the accuracy and usefulness of later assessments and interventions. While valuable, interview data from the child is not primarily used to quantify frequency of behaviors across informants, diagnose cognitive impairment, or verify parental reports—that relies more on standardized measures, cognitive testing, and corroboration across informants.