New study suggests that the verbal and physical signs of lying are harder to detect than people believe

A new study led by Dr Martin Corley (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences) published in the Journal of Cognition has shown that the verbal and physical signs of lying may be harder to detect than people believe. 

An interactive game was used to assess the types of speech and gestures produced when lying, and which clues listeners interpret as evidence of lying. Researchers coded more than 1100 utterances produced by speakers against 19 potential cues to lying – such as pauses in speech, changes speech in rate, shifts in eye gaze and eyebrow movements. The cues were analysed to see which cues listeners identified, and which cues were more likely to be produced when telling a lie.

It was found that people are skilled at identifying commonly displayed cues – such as hesitations and hand gestures – but these signs are produced more often when someone is telling the truth. It was also found that liars are skilled at supressing these signals to avoid detection. 

Researchers say the study helps understand the psychological dynamics that shape deception.

Dr Martin Corley said: “The findings suggest that we have strong preconceptions about the behaviour associated with lying, which we act on almost instinctively when listening to others. However, we don't necessarily produce these cues when we’re lying, perhaps because we try to suppress them.”