Contributions of personality dimensions to spontaneous and deliberate information processing in the guilty actions test

Abstract

The contribution of the Big-Five personality dimensions and locus of control to examinees' physiological responses in the Concealed Information polygraph Test (CIT) was examined for the first time. One hundred and twenty undergraduate students who completed Big Five personality and locus of control questionnaires were instructed to commit a mock theft. They were subsequently tested in the Guilty Actions polygraph Test, a modified version of the CIT. Each of the six sets of items (questions) was repeated twice. Results showed that introversion predicted enhanced Skin Conductance Responses (SCRs) to the critical items only for the first repetition of the first 3 questions which was explained by sensitivity to orienting responses. In contrast, extraversion was linked to Finger Pulse Waveform Length (FPWL) responses to the first repetition of the first 3 questions and was explained by extended and more deliberate information processing due to increased interest in the experiment. Participants high in openness to experience, characterized by intellectual curiosity, responded more strongly on FPWL throughout the test. Lower Neuroticism scores predicted enhanced Respiration Line Length (RLL) responses in the first repetition of the first 3 questions. Internal locus of control predicted higher tonic skin conductance level before and throughout the test. Results were explained by different information processing styles associated with these personality dimensions during various stages of the test.