The Relative Frequency of True and False Confessions and Denials in an Experimental Paradigm Designed to Investigate Deception Detection

Abstract

ABSTRACT Truth-default theory (TDT) proposes that deception is infrequent relative to honesty and that deception requires a motive. TDT further lists confessed deception as a viable method of improving deception detection accuracy. Findings from the experimental literature on false confessions conflict with TDT predictions suggesting that confessions might be an important boundary condition for the theory. Data from various versions of a cheating experiment (N = 485) were reexamined for the rates of true and false confessions and denials under different types of interrogation strategies including accusatory questioning and false evidence ploys. Frequent honest but not false confessions were observed. Demand effects, communication goals, and deception motives are proposed as potential explanations for the conflicting findings. The results are interpreted and framed within TDT. Suggestions are provided for practitioners and for future research.