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Scalable interrogation: Eliciting human pheromone responses to deception in a security interview setting
Alex W Stedmon1, Peter Eachus2, Les Baillie3
1Human Systems Integration Group, Coventry University, UK.
Applied Ergonomics
|December 7, 2014
Summary
Detecting deception during interrogations is possible by monitoring stress indicators. Stressed individuals may secrete a volatile steroid marker, enabling stand-off detection and informing future interrogation protocols.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Psychophysiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Concealing information during interrogations induces stress, detectable through various physiological and psychological indicators.
- Previous research provides a foundation for studying deception detection in controlled settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences between deceivers and truth-tellers across biological, physiological, psychological, and behavioral factors during interrogation.
- To explore the potential of a novel volatile steroid marker for stand-off detection of stress in interrogation scenarios.
Main Methods:
- A scalable interrogation paradigm was developed where participants either concealed information (deceivers) or did not (truth-tellers).
- Data collected included cortisol levels, sweat samples, heart rate, respiration, skin temperature, subjective stress ratings, and audio-video recordings.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed between deceivers and truth-tellers across multiple measured factors.
- A potential volatile steroid-based marker was identified in stressed individuals, suggesting a new avenue for stand-off detection.
Conclusions:
- The study offers an integrated understanding of responses to interrogation, differentiating between those actively concealing information and those who are not.
- Findings support the development of a scalable interrogation protocol and highlight a novel biomarker for deception detection.