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To err is human but not deceptive
Jeffrey J Walczyk1, Natalie F Cockrell2
1Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Louisiana Tech University, P.O. Box 10048, Ruston, LA, 71272, USA. Walczyk@latech.edu.
Memory & Cognition
|June 17, 2021
Summary
Lying involves more cognitive effort than making intentional errors, as shown by longer response times and lower compliance in deception tasks. This supports the Activation-Decision-Construction-Action Theory (ADCAT) of cognitive deception processes.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive psychology
- Social cognition
- Deception research
Background:
- Deception is often operationalized as simply responding incorrectly, overlooking potential cognitive differences.
- The Activation-Decision-Construction-Action Theory (ADCAT) proposes deception requires distinct cognitive processes, including Theory of Mind and proactive interference.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cognitive differences between lying and responding with intentional errors.
- To test the predictions of the ADCAT model regarding deception.
Main Methods:
- A within-subjects design was employed.
- Participants responded to questions honestly, deceptively, or with intentional errors.
- Response time and instruction compliance were measured as dependent variables.
Main Results:
- Deceptive responses yielded significantly longer response times and lower instruction compliance compared to intentional errors.
- Intentional errors also showed longer response times and lower compliance than honest responses.
- Evidence for response inhibition due to implausible deception was observed.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the ADCAT model, indicating a qualitative cognitive difference between deception and intentional error.
- Deception imposes a greater cognitive load than intentional error-making.
- The study provides novel evidence for response inhibition in the context of deception.
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