Theories About How People Tell Lies

There are theories that help psychologists to dictate when people are lying. Psychologically, when people are lying certain features will be notice in their behavior although many have argued that the theories are not all dependable that certain behaviors can be inherent in individual make up. But all the same the theories have been used by psychologist to detect negative attitudinal behavior.

The first of this theory is called the four-factor model mechanism. The first among the four is arousal mechanism. According to psychologists, lying produces anxiety and arousal. This is because of the dissonance at conflicting values and behaviors or fear of being caught. It can be detected through speech errors and hesitations etc. The second mechanism is called behavioral control. Body language is controlled to avoid being detected. In most cases it is impossible and leakage often occurs. Sometimes when the face is being controlled the legs give one away. The third mechanism is called emotional mechanism. Emotions change when lie is told. Guilt may appear and micro-motion in facial muscles can betray hidden emotions. The last of the four mechanism is called thinking mechanism. In order to lie, thinking must be harder so as to ensure coherence in arguments. It leads to speaking with pauses and generalization rather than providing specific details. According to Zuckerman, De Paula and Rosenthal, (1981), “pupil dilation is a good indication of deception”.

Another theory that help psychologist to detect when an individual is lying is information manipulation. This theory states that in order to persuade or deceive, a person deliberately breaks one of the four conversational maxims. The maxims are quantity, quality, relation and manner. According to Mc Comack, Levine, Solowczuk, Torres and Campbell, (1992), the information in a lie tend to be true and without omission. This tends to make it appear to be truthful and correct. It is also relevant to the subject matter of conversation. The events are presented in a way that enables people understand and believe them to be true.

Another theory is the interpersonal deception theory. This theory states that lying happens in a dynamic interaction where liar and listener dance around one another. They change their thoughts in response to each other’s move. According to Burgoon and Buller, (1996), “liar behavior includes manipulating information, strategically controlling behavior and image management. Liars manipulate information so that they can extricate themselves if the message is found to be false. The liar uses vague generalizations and talk about other people. He strategically controls behavior so as to suppress signals that might indicate that he is lying”.