Interpersonal Deception Theory: Examining Deception From a Communication Perspective.

Abstract

Abstract : Interpersonal Deception Theory was tested in an analysis of verbal behavior in interviews characterized by falsification, equivocation, or concealment. It was predicted that language choice in deceptive interactions would reflect (a) strategic attempts to manage information and behavior through indirect, nonimmediate, and vague responses and (b) nonstrategic leakage of anxiety through humor. Also, senders were expected to be more indirect, nonimmediate, and vague and use more humor when suspected. Seventy-two non-experts adults and 6- experts from a U.S. Army intelligence school participated in a 3 (type of deception) X 2 (suspicion) X 2 (relational familiarity) X 2 (expertise) X 4 (type of response) within-subjects factorial design. As expected, deceptive responses contained more indirect, nonimmediate, and vague language, especially spontaneous and repeated deceptions. Planned deceptions may have contained more behavior management aimed at avoiding indirect and vague responses. Deception also contained humor. Suspicion increased indirect, nonimmediate, and vague language, but these cues are managed with friends and experts. Falsifications were most direct, nonimmediate, and vague.