Tag Archive for Layman

So Which People Are Good At Detecting Lies?

by  • March 6, 2013 • 0 Comments

At this point in the chapter it might seem out of place to admit that some individuals can actually detect lies better than chance, but this is true, and has been backed up empirically through research. Studies have shown that while the rest of the world is limited to fifty percent, or the same accuracy as that which would occur by chance, the CIA (central intelligence agency) scores seventy-three percent, sheriffs sixty-seven percent, psychologist sixty-eight percent whereas the secret service scores sixty-four percent.

So why do the experts have an advantage over the layman? Well, part of the explanation lies in experience. The group of psychologist was chosen due to their special interest in lying and lie detection, not to mention their willingness to participate in a two day seminar covering various topics related to lying and lie detection. Each group including the psychologists, the CIA, and the secret service all have an interest in lie detection coupled with the training to back it up. Experts are drawing on information from many facets about a person, including their paraverbal and nonverbal language as well as other cues as we have covered which is unlike regular lay-people who have little if any experience in analyzing people, let alone the ability to repeatedly test their skills. Because lie detection and reading people is a huge part of their occupations, they get a lot of practice and feedback.

Personality characteristics might also play into the ability to detect lies. For example, empathy, sensitivity to social cues, and conscientiousness can all help in reading people more accurate because it allows a person to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. Experts are also more aware of the truth bias, which we covered earlier, and so can properly adjust for this phenomenon. It is important to conclude on these matters that the accuracy, while impressive in relation to ordinary people, is still far from perfect. While the experts are far from perfect, they do give us some hope that lie detection is more than a chance operation. No doubt, by reading this chapter alone, you will be able to make huge strides in reading others, perhaps not pegging every liar dead on the spot, but the cues in this chapter will help you at least identified those who are worthy of a second look.

Above: Paul Ekman talks about microexpressions.

The Power Of Chairs

by  • March 6, 2013 • 0 Comments

When my brother comes over to visit he likes to play chair games with me since he’s aware, through my research, of the power plays afforded by such a seemingly innocuous objects. He often chooses the head of the table or the most desirable position on the sofa, and if possible, will secure the tallest chair. He’s already a bit taller than me and he knows that while seated he looses his advantage making it even more important to claim the higher chair lest he lose his height advantage. My computer chair allows one to raise and lower it, so as fast as it can be adjusted it’s at its peek, allowing him to look down on me. These games are all in good fun of course, as we both understand the implications. However, while we play these games in fun, others might not, they may use them to intimidate or gain power over you and if you are interested, you over them.

To level the playing field it is important to limit the presence of chairs that can be raised or lowered just in case you don’t arrive early enough to gain access to them. Chairs that swivel also hold more power because they can face in infinite directions. The most punishing chairs, which are used by interrogators are those that are fixed to the floor, usually placed in the center of a room away from any shelter. When the idea is to gain quick authority, job interviewers can also employ this tactic. Because you can’t swivel, you must adjust your entire body position to orient yourself toward anything of interest. Should someone enter the room, you’ll either be forced to keep your back to them or will have to lean to one side to look. Regardless, you are at a disadvantage. Chairs that also give more power are those with higher backs. Kings and queens sit in tall chairs because they understood the powers it gave them. The peasants were lucky to get a chair at all, and a stool is was plenty for the layman. Think about what types of chairs are present at fast food places and their effect on us. Usually they will be rock hard and prevent us getting comfortable by leaning back with their metal backs designed specifically to reduce our stay. What effect would this type of seating have on a competitor in business or an in-law we wished to enjoy only a brief visit?

To disarm or punish people, use soft seating such as a sofa that when pressure is added practically envelopes your opponent. This reduces their ability to use gestures in communication and to move about the room because getting up from a sunken position is more difficult than an upright on. Also make sure this chair is lower than normal helping you establish dominance, and if it has arms, even better, as this too will limit their movement.