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Are lies more wrong than errors? Accuracy judgments of inaccurate statements
Karl Halvor Teigen1, Petra Filkuková
1Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. k.h.teigen@psykologi.uio.no
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
|November 9, 2010
Summary
People perceive lies and inaccurate quantity estimates differently. Overstatements and self-favorable claims are seen as more inaccurate than understatements and pessimistic ones, with lies judged more harshly than mere errors.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Behavioral Economics
- Decision Science
Background:
- Individuals frequently misestimate or misrepresent quantities.
- Limited research exists on the perception of these inaccurate quantity statements.
- Understanding perceptions of estimation errors and lies is crucial for behavioral analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how people perceive the accuracy of inaccurate quantity statements.
- To compare perceptions of overstatements versus understatements.
- To differentiate the perceived accuracy of estimates versus deliberate lies.
Main Methods:
- Four vignette studies were conducted.
- Participants rated the accuracy of inaccurate quantity statements (prices, numbers, amounts).
- Statements varied in direction (over/understatement), valence (optimistic/pessimistic), and intent (estimate/lie).
Main Results:
- Overstatements were judged more inaccurate than understatements.
- Self-favorable (optimistic) statements were seen as more inaccurate than unfavorable (pessimistic) ones.
- Deliberate lies were perceived as more inaccurate than equally mistaken estimates, with less emphasis on deviation magnitude.
Conclusions:
- Perception of inaccuracy depends on statement type and intent.
- Estimates are judged by proximity to truth, while lies are perceived as deviations from truth.
- Own lies are perceived as larger than those attributed to others.
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