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Face-to-Face Lying: Gender and Motivation to Deceive
Eitan Elaad1, Ye'ela Gonen-Gal1
1Department of Psychology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
Frontiers in Psychology
|April 8, 2022
Summary
Men lie more and are more successful at it than women, according to two studies on deception. However, gender differences in lie detection were inconsistent, suggesting caution in interpreting these findings.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Gender differences in deception are complex and influenced by situational factors.
- Previous research suggests potential disparities in lying and lie detection between genders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender differences in lying and lie detection under varying conditions.
- To explore the influence of personality traits and cognitive styles on deception performance.
Main Methods:
- Two studies involving deception games with community participants and volunteers.
- Assessment of personality (Narcissistic Personality Inventory) and cognitive style (Rational-Experiential Inventory).
- Utilized the Lie- and Truth Ability Assessment Scale (LTAAS) and a payoff matrix to incentivize communication strategies.
Main Results:
- Men consistently lied more and were more successful lie-tellers than women across both studies.
- Study 1: Men showed lower belief in senders but no enhanced lie/truth detection; personality and thinking style predicted performance.
- Study 2: Men were more successful lie detectors; women showed no difference in telling/detecting lies and truths.
Conclusions:
- Men exhibit a greater propensity and skill for lying compared to women.
- Gender differences in lie detection are inconsistent and context-dependent.
- Personality traits and cognitive styles may mediate men's enhanced deception abilities.
Keywords:
detection of deceptiongenderinformation processing stylelyingmotivationself-assessed abilitiesMore Related Videos
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