SUBJECTIVE JUDGMENTS OF DECEPTION IN PAIN EXPRESSION - ACCURACY AND ERRORS

Accuracy and errors in judges' attempts to differentiate facial expres sions that displayed genuine pain, no pain or were dissimulated (i.e., masked and exaggerated) were examined. Judges were informed that misr epresentations in the facial expressions were present and were asked t o rate their confidence in classifying these expressions. Detailed, ob jective coding of the patients' facial reactions (e.g., brow lowering, mouth opening) were related to judges' decisions. Judges' classificat ion decisions were better than chance, but there were many errors. Ext reme expressions (i.e., no pain, and exaggerated expressions) were ide ntified more accurately than genuine and masked expressions. Judges le vel of confidence was consistent with their level of accuracy. Judges consistently used rules of thumb based on specific facial cues when ma king judgments. Certain cues were effectively discriminative. Systemat ic training in the use of specific cues or the use of articulated deci sion rules may be helpful in improving judges' accuracy.