Within a multimethod model of assessment, child interviews are primarily useful for what purpose?

Child interviews within a multimethod model of assessment primarily serve the purpose of establishing rapport and understanding the child's perspective. This approach emphasizes the importance of engaging with the child directly to gain insights into their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Through interviews, the school psychologist can create an environment that fosters trust and comfort, enabling the child to express themselves more freely.

Building rapport is crucial in assessments, as it helps the child feel safe and understood, which can lead to more accurate and meaningful information about their psychological and emotional well-being. Understanding the child's perspective can also inform the psychologist about how the child perceives their environment, relationships, and challenges they are facing, providing valuable context that can guide interventions and strategies.

While gathering academic performance data, conducting behavioral observations, and measuring cognitive abilities are vital components of a comprehensive assessment, these tasks typically involve different methods and tools. Child interviews focus specifically on subjective experiences, which can significantly influence other areas of assessment.