I) Thesis section:
Is it possible for humans to lie without revealment? We do it
(lie) on a daily basis, but are there specific cues of concealment
that go unnoticed? It is my belief that there are facial cues
that can reveal concealment and that, we as humans just merely
fail to recognize them.
II) Theorectical Content:
I would expect to find that cues of concealment are given by facial
expression based on biological data. The sole facial nerve, the
seventh cranial nerve, is connected to both very old, and newer
parts of the brain (Ekman, 225). Thus, some facial expression
is voluntary, while other, is not. Furthermore, there is the documented
phenonmenon, facial leakage. Facial leakage is the traces of felt
facial expressions that a person is attempting to conceal (Ekman,
225).
In 1872, Charles Darwin said that human facial expressions have
evolved from the expressions of other animals and they are therefore
universal (Ekman, 223). Yet, others disagree. Many believe that
facial expression, like language is a product of culture (Ekman,
223). It is also widely believed by evolutionists that facial
expression can provide accurate information (Ekman, 223).
However, some psychologists would agrue that expression by any
manner, is controlable. Take for instance, the self-presentation
theory, which introduces the idea of both the inner and outer
self's emergence (Robinson, 76). People desire a likeable and
pleasant personality, thus they present this to others (Robinson,
76). This theory also encompasses, dominant, dependant, competant
and other various characteristics (Robinson, 76).
Although, it is also noted that too many people are happy with
the way they perceive things to be (Robinson, 82). The ever-popular
metaphor, "rose-colored glasses, depicts this this notion explicitly.
While wearing a pair of "rose-colored glasses, the world appears
perfect-like, and one is happy. People grow to like this perception
all to much.
Thus, although people may (unconsciously) present certain characteristics to others, the "rose-colored glasses" theory is all to prevelant at times.
Evolutionists believe that deception is a perennial instument
of survival (Myslobodsky, 1). In studying the role of deception
in our human ancestry, sociobiologists and ethologists are turning
from using prehistoric time human ancestors (Barnes, 147). Instead,
they are using evidence from contemporary animals, particularly,
non-human primate species to inference our past (Barnes, 147).
Robert Mitchell has proposed a typology, in which he illustrates
four levels of deception (Barnes, 148). The lowest observes plants
and butterflies that deceive by appearance (Barnes, 148). The
second examines how some birds will deceive with actions by feigning
injury (Barnes, 148). At the next level, animals are learning
to deceive (Barnes, 148). Dogs will fake an injured leg, because
his human master with treat him sympathetically (Barnes, 148).
The fourth and final level presents planned deception, which is
designed to deal with novel circumstances (Barnes, 149). Present
at this level are chimpanzees, baboons, and innumerable humans
(Barnes, 149).
It is at the fourth level in which Machiavellian skill is needed (Barnes, 149). Machiavellian skill is the ability to take account in deciding how to act, of likely responses of others (Barnes, 151). Along with Machiavellian skill, its relative theories, and the ability to indulge in fantasy, lying becomes a feasible option (Barnes, 152).
III) Empirical Study:
To support my thesis, I will conduct a psychological study. This
study will include a facilitator, thirty volunteer subjects, and
two controls. The study will examine the facial expressions of
the volunteers by means of a videocamera. The facilitator and
the videocamera will be staged in a private room, though the subjects
will be unaware of the camera. Each subject will go into the study
individually. The subjects will be previously directed to state
two different statements, and honest statement, then a false statement,
during an immidiate pre-study session. Their goal will be convince
the facilitator that both of these statements are true. Meanwhile,
the camera will be focused upon each of the subjects faces while
making their statements.
This study will be conducted (hopefully) through the psychology department, with intended usage of a two-way mirrored room.
IV) Analysis:
To document and analyze this information, the videos will be viewed,
by myself. I will then chart the differentiating facial expressions
between the true and false statements. This data will be charted
and thoroughly examined, the findings may possibly be graphed,
based upon results.
Bibliography
Barnes, J. A. A Pack of Lies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994.
Ekman, Paul, and Wallace V. Friesen. "Nonverbal Behavior." Ethology
and Nonverbal Communication in Mental Health. Ed. Samuel A. Corson
and
Elizabeth O'Leary Corson. New York: Pergamon Press Ltd., 1980.
221- 231.
Myslobodsky, Michael S., ed. The Mythomanias - The Nature of Deception
and
Self-Deception. New York: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc., 1997.
Robinson, W. Peter. Deceit, Delusion, and Detection. 6 vols. California:
Sage
Publishing, 1996.
Next Article
Previous Article
Return to the Topic Menu
IMPORTANT: For each Research Response, make sure the title of the response is different than previous titles shown above!