Does being emotionally intelligent and empathic predict deception detection accuracy?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research into individual differences in deception detection and judgment brought into question the existence of a good liar-catcher. The current study aimed to investigate the role of trait empathy and emotional intelligence (EI) ability in detecting unemotional lies. One hundred and fifty volunteers were given the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test, then they watched a sequence of 14 interviews concerning truthful vs. deceptive holidays. For each videotaped interview, detection accuracy, detection confidence, and detection criteria were assessed. Results confirmed the chance-like ability to detect deception. The empathic trait of perspective-taking and the EI ability to perceive emotions predicted detection accuracy, albeit with a modest effect. Receivers’ judgment accuracy was principally determined by the sender to be evaluated, confirming that detection accuracy is mainly explained by the sender, rather than the receiver's characteristics. Confidence appeared unrelated to detection accuracy.