Rodents ‘freeze’ when a threat occurs and possums play dead.
Other animals use size deceptions (larger size is more dangerous). Armadillos,
for example, leap straight up into the air; briefly making themselves appear
taller (unfortunately, oncoming automobiles do not scare easily). As many
zookeepers have learned, when they are threatened by an animal in their care,
holding a shovel or broom up high creates a simulation of being large. With
certain aggressive animals this works quite well.
As we consider the more intelligent animals, the deceptive
practices become more complex. Feigned attacks give the impression of an actual
attack, but are merely warnings. Elephants use this approach. They will often
fake an attack by running toward an intruder and then, at the last instant,
stop short and flare their ears to increase their apparent size. This is a
deception and a warning. If the invader does not immediately respond by moving
away, a real attack will follow. Animals with pecking orders, such as primates,
often feign attacks toward possible opponents to scare them off. This allows
them to maintain their social ranking.
As can be seen, living things at all levels of complexity
use deception as a survival tactic. In that respect, humans are no different.
Humans and Deception
As far as we know, humans are the most complex of all
animals. It also seems that wherever humans are, deception occurs. Deception is
a part of human life. It is part of our psychology and is deeply involved in
our sociology. Deception has been involved in our techniques of survival, it is
found throughout major historical events, in ethics, religious foundations, and
virtually every other area of social life. Deception is one of the main tools
in social life.
Even though deception is and has been a normal part of human
life, we are divided in our views about its role. Deception is important in
many social and personal events, yet at the same time it is seen as a vile and
evil behavior. In short, our beliefs about deception become a muddy confusion
of values and behaviors.
Many people claim that deception is wrong in any
circumstance, yet these same people will often agree that deception is
necessary in situations such as keeping national secrets, war strategies and
such if it is used as a means to preserve their way of life. We are taught both
verbal and nonverbal methods of using deception. We are also taught to use
deception when appropriate. Appropriate use of deception tends to be based on
ethical standards according to the situation.
There are three main
types of interviews: Informational, Application, and Coercive. Each has a
different purpose, but all have the need to identify deception.
- Informational Interview – Interviewing
to obtain information about a particular topic such as in an
investigation.
- Application Interview– Usually for
employment positions. Deception identification concerns are most often
applied to the positions that possess the most risk of safety or security.
- Interrogation or Coercive
Interview – Usually for criminal situations where evidence supports the
need to elicit a confession.