Former FBI Agent Explains How to Detect Lying & Deception | Tradecraft | WIRED

Summary

This script delves into deception detection, debunking common myths and explaining the holistic approach used by the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit. It discusses fight-or-flight responses, cognitive complexity, and perception management as key indicators of lying. The video also highlights the importance of active listening and observing non-verbal cues in investigative interviews, using examples from high-profile cases like Scott Peterson and President Clinton to illustrate the techniques.

Takeaways

• 👀 Myths about deception detection are common, but there's no universal sign of lying, such as gaze aversion or hand-to-mouth gestures.
• 🔍 Criminal behavioral analysis encompasses profiling, active listening, interview and interrogation, and deception detection.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Deception detection involves a holistic approach, examining various indicators including fight-or-flight responses, cognitive complexity, and perception management.
• 💦 Fight-or-flight indicators can suggest deception, as stress from lying can cause physiological changes like fidgeting or nervous energy.
• 🧠 Cognitive complexity in deception involves lying about limited senses and keeping the lie simple, which can unravel under detailed questioning.
• 🎭 Perception management is when a suspect behaves in a way they believe the interviewer expects to see in a truthful statement.
• 🗣️ Verbal indicators of deception may include uncertain words like 'sort of' or 'kind of', showing lack of confidence in the statement.
• 🤔 Nonverbal cues can change during an interview, signaling deception when there's a shift from baseline behavior like fidgeting or grooming gestures.
• 📈 Non-linguistic verbal indicators include changes in speech pace, volume, or pitch, which can suggest stress related to lying.
• 🔎 The goal of identifying deception indicators is to find areas for deeper probing with more specific and contradictory questions.
• 📝 Active listening is crucial during interviews; taking notes can distract from observing nonverbal cues, which are key to detecting deception.
• 👥 Each person's behavior is unique, so a comprehensive assessment of all behaviors during interviews or interrogations is necessary for accurate deception detection.

Q & A

What are some common myths about deception detection?

Common myths about deception detection include beliefs that gaze aversion, bringing the hand to the mouth, grooming gestures, or fidgeting are universal indicators of deception. However, there is no single universal indicator.

What is criminal behavioral analysis?

Criminal behavioral analysis is an umbrella term covering work done at the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, including criminal profiling, active listening, interview and interrogation, and deception detection.

What is the goal of investigative interviews and interrogations?

The goal of investigative interviews and interrogations is to obtain accurate and reliable information.

What is the fight-or-flight response in the context of deception detection?

The fight-or-flight response in deception detection refers to physiological changes under stress, such as decreased salivation, increased heart rate, and increased adrenaline to the hands and legs, which can indicate lying.

What is cognitive complexity in deception detection?

Cognitive complexity in deception detection refers to the tendency of liars to keep their stories simple, typically only involving two senses (hearing and seeing) and lacking detailed sensory descriptions or complex interactions.

How can perception management indicate deception?

Perception management indicates deception when suspects behave in a way they believe will appear truthful, such as remaining unusually still to avoid giving away their lies, contrasting with their normal fidgeting behavior.

What are some verbal indicators of deception?

Verbal indicators of deception include the use of words like 'sort of,' 'almost,' and 'kind of,' which suggest uncertainty or lack of confidence in what the person is saying.

What are some nonverbal indicators of deception?

Nonverbal indicators of deception include changes in body movements and actions, such as fidgeting, grooming gestures, or becoming unusually still when under the stress of lying.

What are non-linguistic verbal indicators of deception?

Non-linguistic verbal indicators of deception include changes in the pace, volume, or pitch of speech, such as a sudden increase in speaking speed or a higher pitch due to stress.

How can behavioral analysis principles be used to evaluate confessions?

Behavioral analysis principles can be used to determine the accuracy and reliability of confessions by looking for consistency between known facts and the details of the confession and assessing the overall behavior of the individual during the interview or interrogation.