Verbal characteristics of lie detection in different conditions of the interview

Abstract

The article presents the results of the Russian part of the international research, conducted in St. Petersburg State University in 2014–2015, of verbal characteristics of lie detection in the interview in a foreign language and native language with the participation of an interpreter which was held in Great Britain, USA, South Korea and Russia. The aim of the research was to find the differences between liars and truth tellers in the interpreter-based interview and interview in a foreign language (English). The aim was to find out verbal characteristics of a lie, to estimate the effectiveness of Model Statement (a method which encourages a person to say more information). Sixty-five participants both genders were enrolled in the study. All participants were randomized into two groups — liars and truth tellers. As the main criteria were used the total time of answers, the number of details, the expression of doubt in words and fragmentary memories. The results showed that liars report less information in all interviewing conditions, less willingly admit that they forgot some information. In the interview in foreign language due to lack of vocabulary truth tellers either report less information, so, they can be treated as liars. Participants who had to talk in a foreign language, even those who spoke the truth, doubt that their words were treated as truthful. Listening to a sample audio record as a method which helps to encourage the amount of information during the interview showed its effectiveness, though in this experiment liars either provide more information and more details which can be related to an easy task. The results of the research can be used in the work of law enforcement and judicial personnel.