The Stereotypical Cues to Deception Used by Lay Persons

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Paper Session: Interpersonal Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Deception is a common form of interpersonal communication but humans are notoriously bad at detecting it. Although there are few reliable nonverbal cues to deception, lay persons typically report that nonverbal cues and general demeanor are reliable and diagnostic cues that help them distinguish truths from lies. This investigation examined the cues that untrained persons used when attempting to detect lies and compared their subjective observations to the objective cues observed in videotaped lies. The results suggest a vast number of different cues were judged to be diagnostic of deception, most prominently hesitations (or lack thereof), the amount of detail provided, eye contact, and a general truthful demeanor. None of these cues were actually diagnostic of deception. The implications for how to “bust” the myths about deception given to and perpetuated by lay audiences are discussed.

Authors

• Norah E. Dunbar, U of California Santa Barbara

• Brianna L. Lane, U of Oklahoma