Nonverbal indicators of deception: A new theoretical perspective

Abstract

This study tested a theory of nonverbal behavior during deception. The theory is based on ability to monitor and ability to control nonverbal behaviors. The nonverbal behaviors of sixteen criminal justice students were coded during lying and truthing. Results lend limited support to the theory: (1) Contrary to earlier theories, this theory predicted that easily monitored and controlled gestures would be less frequent among liars than among truthers. This prediction was generally confirmed. (2) As predicted, liars exhibited greater vocal nervousness than did. truthers. (3) The pattern of differences, even where differences were nonsignificant, generally supports the theory.