Monday, December 28, 2009

Foolproof Test for Catching Liars Still Elusive: Lie Detectors



Listen to this NPR story...◦
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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Since there is no perfect detection for deception - how does using various methods together (verbal and nonverbal communication, linguistics, psychology, etc.) reduce wrongful interrogations of innocent people under suspicion? and especially with a lack of standardized training for law enforcement on a national level using scientific research of deception using the different disciplines, including stereotypes, bias, and cognitive dissonance?

John said...

Great question! What you ask is at the heart of the science of what I talk about on the site. There is no silver bullet and never will be. Someone who can lie without guilt will not be detected, ever. I believe I am not a lie detector as much as someone who is gathering information- if the information is not "adding" up then it is opportunity to clear up any confusion. In cases of criminal activities the goal is to convince the guilty to confess; in cases of interpersonal relationships it is to be clear about attachment and connection; in cases regarding business it is to be clear that we are all working to a common goal and maximum achievement. The deception often is not the point, the key is the motivation for the deception- and it is often more interesting. With the many tools that are available... they only give us the opportunity to confront, interact, communicate, that this will hopefully lead to the truth. Machines and technology help, but deception is is always about people.