Thursday, March 17, 2011

Stats on Lying

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2 comments:

Michael Dundas said...

Interesting slides, but I don't agree with them all. There is no scientific evidence that indicates that avoiding eye contact is more indicative of lying (see http://www.humintell.com/2009/09/the-eye-contact-myth/ ) for one of many research studies.

While I agree that micro-expressions can indicate that someone is lying that is more a conclusion drawn from context. People leak micro-expressions all the time, and when a micro-expression doesn't match what someone should feel (typically referred to as a 'hot spot'), it indicates they are hiding their true feelings. This could be because they are lying, or it could be for a multitude of other reason, shame, guilt, protection of themselves or another individual. The person that reads the micro-expression also has the responsibility to determine reason behind the 'hot spot' and not immediately assume it is a lie.

In short, not bad, but a topic more complex than is represented here I feel.

-mike.

7:29 AM
Ric Phillips said...

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the insightful comments.
I have studied body language, communication, etc. for a long time now and if there is one thing I know, it's that this is not a 100% science.

I appreciate Forensic Psychology's info, but I agree with you that it's an over-simplification.

It was produced for mass audience and for fun, but the problem is that some people take it as 100% fact, then go around 'predicting' and 'reading' people. and upsetting them!

The key, as you would agree, is to take it all with a grain of salt, and try to pay attention more to people, try to use more empathy and better listening skills, and certainly NOT to judge someone based on a single gesture.

I find that I still enjoy the study and practice of non-verbal communication, but it's real practicality for me is in presenting oneself better at work or in your social life.

Thanks again for the comment Mike. I appreciate it.

8:11 AM

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