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Closing the gap to deceit: influences of imposed cognitive load and Machiavellianism on tonic electrodermal activity

Jansen, T. (2012) Closing the gap to deceit: influences of imposed cognitive load and Machiavellianism on tonic electrodermal activity.

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Abstract:The aim of the current research project is to provide more insight in the deception management process, exploring influences of imposed cognitive load and Machiavellianism on tonic electrodermal activity while having the intent to deceive and actual deceiving. Hundred seven mostly Social Sciences students from Twente University participated in the experimental study. Ages ranged from 17 till 49, approximately 37 % of participants were male; approximately 63 % were female. In a controlled environment we instructed individuals to answer questions shown on a computer screen either truthfully or deceptive while they had to complete a secondary. A week after the experiment participants were instructed to complete the Mach IV questionnaire from which Machiavellianism data was derived. We found a significant increase of tonic electrodermal activity when participant were lying compared to when they told the truth (p < 0.001). Contrary, we found a significant decrease of tonic electrodermal activity when participants had the intention to lie (p = 0.004). Furthermore current research shows individual differences in Machiavellianism to play a distinct role in how tonic electrodermal activity is portrayed. Both having the intent to lie, thus telling the truth, waiting when to lie and actual lying are part of the deception management process, therefore lying should be comprehended as a continuous social process. Using the tonic, continuous, measure of electrodermal activity, promising results are found for detecting deception in even those showing least signs of deceptive intent.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/63230
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