Exposing Lies

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.

1. Informational Interview – Interviewing to obtain information about a particular topic such as in an investigation.
2. 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.
3. Interrogation or Coercive Interview – Usually for criminal situations where evidence supports the need to elicit a confession.