EFFECTS OF SITUATIONAL VARIABLES ON JUDGMENTS ABOUT DECEPTION AND DETECTION ACCURACY

In this study we investigated the effects of situational variables on judgments about deception. It was hypothesized that more deceptive jud gments would be made in situations where there was high gain for the c ommunicator, low probability that the deception would be detected, and a low cost for deception. Two hundred and forty-two participants view ed videotapes of persons describing their work history truthfully or d eceitfully. Prior to the videotape, a short description of the situati on was read to the participants in which the amount of gain, probabili ty of detection, and cost of detection were manipulated. Following the videotapes, the participants were required to evaluate the applicant' s performance on a number of scales and to indicate whether the applic ant had held the job. The results supported the hypothesis.