Detecting Deception

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of research on how we may be able to detect deception. Key ideas, findings, and challenges are outlined, and contexts in which the assessment of credibility may be relevant are considered. Four major approaches to detecting deception are discussed and evaluated; observing non-verbal behaviour, measuring physiological responses, measuring neural activity, and analysing verbal accounts. The focus is directed at approaches that have the greatest utility in an applied policing context and in investigative interviewing. The chapter also explores strategies to elicit cues to deception and maximise the differences between liars and truth-tellers, and dispels some common misconceptions.