Mechanisms underlying response bias in deception detection

Abstract

The present research aims to explore the mechanisms underlying response bias in detection of deception. In addition to examining the predictive value of generalized communicative suspicion (GCS), age, and professional experience, the present approach also investigates the role of error weighting by testing the hypothesis that a greater concern about Misses is associated with a lie bias. In Study 1, we analyzed samples of (a) students, (b) police trainees, and (c) police officers. Results revealed an asymmetrical error weighting as the strongest predictor of response bias. Supporting our hypothesis, participants who were more concerned about False Alarms were particularly truth biased, whereas a lie bias was observed among those who were more concerned about Misses. In Study 2, we manipulated the error weighting in order to test its causal relation to response bias. Results again show the predictive value of asymmetrical error weighting for response bias in deception detection, and indicate that the effects of the manipulation are moderated by individuals' habitual error weighting.

Keywords:

• deception detection
• error weighting
• generalized communicative suspicion
• lie bias
• response bias

Notes

1. In previous research, GCS scores were reported as the sum across items (Levine & McCornack, 1991; Masip et al., 2005). However, these authors deleted several items from the original scale, whereby the comparability of the sum scores could be limited.

2. For completeness, we also carried out a regression analysis with the total number of video segments watched as additional control variable. The results reflected those reported above and revealed no influence of the extent of information search on the relation between the error weighting measure and response bias.

3. The same results occurred with the dichotomous veracity judgment as dependent variable. Use of the scaled measure maintains consistency with Study 1.