We humans communicate a great deal via our facial expressions and body language. While I usually assume that most such behavior is adaptive – evolved in detail to achieve important ends, some argue that much of this in unwanted leakage – that such expressions reveal stuff about ourselves often against our interests. Studies of liars, however, suggest that there is much less unwanted leakage than most people think:
Perhaps some studies of liars show that they don't give themselves away with body language. I haven't heard of any such studies. But I have heard of numerous studies showing that they do. You can't just dismiss them as "popular belief".
Is it more important for us to believe in our covert homo hypocritus skills than our overt talking and thinking skills?
In many situations, it seems that it is worthwhile to focus your effort on obtaining as much information as possible on whether or not someone is lying before you accuse/interrogate that person. When dealing with folks close to you (spouses, children, etc.), signaling distrust is usually taken as a huge slap in the face.
So it seems to me that even if non-verbal information is generally less reliable than information you might get through an effective interrogation, it is still worthwhile since you do not have to signal your distrust to obtain it.
Here are the studies quoted. I think they claim to be surveys.
Pitfalls and Opportunities in Nonverbal and Verbal Lie Detection
Cues to Deception
Perhaps some studies of liars show that they don't give themselves away with body language. I haven't heard of any such studies. But I have heard of numerous studies showing that they do. You can't just dismiss them as "popular belief".
Whatever! Tell that to Cal Lightman... ;)
Is it more important for us to believe in our covert homo hypocritus skills than our overt talking and thinking skills?
In many situations, it seems that it is worthwhile to focus your effort on obtaining as much information as possible on whether or not someone is lying before you accuse/interrogate that person. When dealing with folks close to you (spouses, children, etc.), signaling distrust is usually taken as a huge slap in the face.
So it seems to me that even if non-verbal information is generally less reliable than information you might get through an effective interrogation, it is still worthwhile since you do not have to signal your distrust to obtain it.