Oral Presentation: Examining a new interview technique to gather information and elicit cues to deceit: The Ghostwriter Method

Title: Examining a new interview technique to gather information and elicit cues to deceit:
The Ghostwriter Method

Abstract:

Background. This is the second experiment ever conducted to examine a new lie detection tool:
the Ghostwriter (GW) Method. We examined its effect on eliciting information, cues to deceit
and the technique’s working mechanisms.

Method. 150 participants were asked to either tell the truth or construct a false story regarding
a recent trip. They were allocated to a Control condition, a GW condition (in which they were
asked to imagine talking to a ghostwriter) and a GW-enhanced condition (in which the GWconcept
was explained in greater detail). The dependent variables were details, complications,
common knowledge details, self-handicapping strategies, proportion of complications,
plausibility, verifiable sources and unstructured production.

Results. Participants in the GW-enhanced condition provided more information and cues to
deceit than participants in the other two conditions. Overall, statements of truth-tellers
sounded more plausible and included more details and complications than lie tellers’
statements.

Conclusion. The Ghostwriter method seems to be a promising tool for obtaining more
information and cues to deceit