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BULLSHIT DETECTION |
3 Pages - Page 2 |
| The Five Signs of Bullshit |
When looking for kinesic indicators of bullshitting, we must first know what a person's normal behavior is like. Questions like what time or day it is (or any others not specifically related to the case you are investigating) will usually tell us this. When asking these baseline questions, you should observe the person's behavior before, during and after the question is asked. Next, you should begin asking the suspect questions about the crime he is suspected of committing. When doing this, watch his responses. If his reactions are different from those of before, he may be lying. Here are some kinesic indicators to watch for:
1. Averting of the gaze at inappropriate times:
If the suspect normally looks at you when answering the non-critical questions, but averts his gaze when answering critical questions, this is a good indicator of lying.
2. Changing of body position:
If a suspect begins turning his body away from you when answering critical questions, but did not do so during the non-critical questions, this is a good indicator of lying. This is especially true if a suspect orients himself toward avenues of escape, such as doors or open spaces.
3. "Closing" of the suspect's body space to the interviewer:
If a suspect whom previously demonstrated open body language now begins crossing his legs and arms, this is an indicator of lying.
4. Inappropriate actions with hands:
Liars often cover their mouths when lying, wring their hands, crack their knuckles, pick imaginary lint of their clothes, rubbing their thighs and do other things to expel nervous energy. If your suspect begins doing these things when confronted with critical questions, beware.
5. Attempts to symbolically "run" away from the interviewer:
According to the Bible, "the guilty flee when no man pursueth." In interrogation, we often see liars move their feet as if they are running, even when sitting down. If standing, the suspect may shuffle his feet back and forth - particularly in a soft surface such as dirt. Of course, if your suspect turns and really runs, no one needs to tell you what conclusion to draw.
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| Other Important Signs of Bullshitting |
Here are other signs of bullshitting to look for:
1. Unwarranted (not due to light) changes in pupil size:
The Israeli's have reportedly developed a device that measures variations in pupil size that their interrogators use. This is based upon a sound medical principle; it is well known that in times of stress or fear that our pupils dilate in response to the "fight or flight" response. Liars, when confronted by their involvement in a crime, may exhibit the same behavior. (The phrase, "eyes widening in fright," always comes to mind when I see this particular reaction.)
2. Changes in breathing:
Liars may breath either faster or slower when confronted with a critical question. A liar may also gasp for breath, begin hiccupping, or change his breathing from the nose to the mouth. Some suspects may even snort because their nostrils are flaring more than normal.
3. Changes in the pulse rate:
This is most notable in the throat and temple areas where the pulse rate most easily shows. A liar's pulse may race uncontrollably when asked critical questions. In fact, some veins in the throat and temple may bulge out due to the increase in his blood pressure.
4. Changes in complexion:
Some liars may blush or develop a reddish hue to their features extending from their upper chest to their face. This, in my experience, is more common with female and juvenile bullshitters. However, this is only my opinion.
5. Sweating:
Some liars have been known to sweat so much that they almost stick to their chairs. If a suspect suddenly begins sweating profusely when asked critical questions, beware. This is most noticeable in the face and in the hands; the face may drip sweat, and the hands may be so wet and clammy that the suspect continuously has to wipe them on nearby objects.
6. Changes in voice inflection and speech rate:
This is particularly noticeable to me when suspects try to "explain" away incriminating evidence. The voice may break or crack; stuttering may evidence itself or become more pronounced; some suspects may not even be able to get any words out at all, hard as they may try.
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