Describe the three processes involved in deception. What does the research tell us about how investigators can best detect deception in an individual?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The three processes are emotion, behavioral control, and cognitive load. A lie was traditionally associated with the emotions of fear and guilt. For years, it was assumed that emotions were the best indicator of deception. Deception could be indicated by nervous and anxious behavior such as shaking hands and eye contact avoidance. Recent research studies have consistently found that behavioral patterns are not reliable cues for deception. In fact, very few people—whether professional experts or laypersons—are able to detect deception (or honesty) with much accuracy when relying on emotion-based cues. The research on behavioral control cues has generally focused on what attributes make a good liar. Research suggests that verbal cues may well be better guides. For example, concentrating on the verbal patterns of the suspect and analyzing the manner in which the interviewer handles the questions will lead to improved deception detection. Interviewers should also create a cognitive load on the person being interviewed. In other words, interviewers and interrogators should try to increase the workload of the suspect when answering questions using an approach referred to as cognitive lie detection.