Though Dr. Lorinda Camparo's interests in Psychology are quite broad, her research tends to concentrate in two related areas: social development in adolescents and developmental aspects of children navigating the US court system. In each of these areas, it is the social interactions and behaviors that motivate Dr. Camparo's research. Follow the underlined links to access synopses of papers that Dr. Camparo has presented at various conferences.

Children & Adolescents in the US Court System

Normally developing adolescents report that their relationships with their parents are very influential and a significant source of support; however, during middle childhood and adolescence, friendships also begin to take on special importance. Dr. Camparo's research in social development has focused on the quality of adolescents' relationships with parents and friends, particularly how those relationships change during puberty. She has further examined how children's ethnic background affects their choice of friends and social status within their peer group, as well as how prejudice develops.

Girl's Parent-Child Relationships

Salience of Race, Culture, Ethnicity & Nationality

Social/Historical Context and Theory Choice About Prejudice

Children are being called to provide legal testimony about events they have witnessed or experienced at increasing rates. However, children's testimony is most useful and effective when those interviewing them have a clear understanding of children's developmental strengths and limitations. Dr. Camparo's research in this area has examined the efficacy of various interview methods for eliciting more accurate and complete information from pre-school and school-aged children.

Interviewing Children & The Narrative Elaboration Procedure

Helping Children Elaborate