Encouraging interviewees to say more and deception: The ghostwriter method. (22nd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leal, Sharon; Vrij, Aldert; Deeb, Haneen; Kamermans, Kevin
• Is Part Of: Legal and criminological psychology. Volume 24:Number 2(2019:Sep.)
• Page Start: 273
• Page End: 287
• Publication Date: 2019-04-22
• Subjects: eliciting information -- encouraging interviewees to say more -- interviewing to detect deception -- proportion of complications -- verifiable sources; Law -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Criminology -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 340.19
• DOI: 10.1111/lcrp.12152
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-3259

Abstract

Abstract : Background: We examined a new method to encourage interviewees to say more, the ghostwriter method, and examined its effect on eliciting information and cues to deceit. Method: A total of 150 truth tellers and liars either told the truth about a trip they made in the last 12 months or pretended to have made such a trip. They were allocated to a Control condition, a 'Be detailed' condition in which they were encouraged to report even small details and a ghostwriter condition in which they were told to imagine talking to a ghostwriter. The dependent variables were details, complications, common knowledge details, self‐handicapping strategies, proportion of complications, plausibility, and verifiable sources. Results: The ghostwriter condition elicited more details and revealed in plausibility a stronger cue to deceit than the other two conditions. Conclusion: The ghostwriter method appears to be a promising tool for eliciting information and cues to deceit.