Exam 12: Emotion

Explain the difference between omission and equivocation, and give concrete examples of each.

Vocal characteristics are usually poor indicators of deception.

One thing that research has taught us is that many of the average person's beliefs about deception are wrong (e.g., lack of eye contact is a good clue to deception, most people are good at spotting deception, it is harder to lie to a suspicious person than an unsuspicious one). Offer reasoned speculation as to why people's beliefs about interpersonal deception are, on average, so inaccurate. Consider the potential roles played by emotion, religion, the media, and the psyche.

Which of the following contributes to people's inability to detect deception accurately?

How do the principles of interpersonal deception theory factor into the process of deception?

Many forms of politeness and discretion involve being deceptive.

Make an argument for why our society condones some forms of deception (e.g., those involved in tact, discretion, politeness) while condemning others (e.g., perjury, bearing false witness). Is this an example of social hypocrisy or is there an underlying logic to this distinction? Back up your position with examples, and be sure to acknowledge the strengths of the opposing viewpoint.

Deception has several characteristics; which of the following is NOT among them?

Which of the following forms of deception is an act of dissimulation?

Frank's grandfather loved to fish. Every time he came back from the lake, he described catching and releasing a bigger and bigger fish. We can infer from this story that Frank's grandfather likely engaged in:

Explain the principle behind the motivation impairment effect. Provide a detailed example of motivation impairment.

Misrepresenting facts for the purpose of material gain is known as:

Pupil dilation usually decreases when people are being deceptive.

One of the most common ways people discover they've been lied to is from third-party information.

What is meant by the phrase "deception can serve as a social lubricant?"

Research shows that men are more likely than women to lie about this characteristic in an online dating ad:

Is it easier to detect deception from friends or strangers? Make an argument for each possible outcome and then describe what research has found.

Deception done for the right reasons is not really deception.

Imagine that a "truth serum" existed that, when administered, would make everyone tell the pure, unedited truth in all situations. In a brief essay, discuss the pros and cons of such a product. Finish your essay with a conclusion in which you either support or condemn the truth serum. Support your decision.

Our truth bias is usually stronger for friends than for strangers.