NCJ Number
191025
Journal
Legal and Criminological Psychology Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 185-196
Editor(s)
Ron Blackburn
Date Published
September 2001
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper examined the use of indirect and direct deception detection measures in a police officer’s ability to accurately detect lies.
Abstract
The main focus of this experiment was to examine whether police officers would be more accurate at detecting lies while using an indirect measure technique, than while using a direct measure technique. Participants included 39 police officers that watched a videotape of a number of truth tellers and liars being interviewed. Data were analyzed in two ways: (1) the extent police officers could recognize lies and truths by using the two detection methods; and (2) behavioral and verbal cues the observers were actually looking for when answering questions. Results showed that police officers could distinguish between truths and lies by using only the indirect method. In addition, it was found that by using the indirect method they paid attention to the cues that were actual indicators of deceit. The study made it clear that the use of indirect measures to detect deceit had the potential to be a useful tool in lie detection in legal contexts. Tables and references