Deception and False Memory in Delinquency: An ERP Study

Abstract

Delinquents are often associated with deception. However, there is another phenomenon which is far more menacing known as false memory. These two phenomena are different but resulting in the same detrimental consequences. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the difference between normal individuals and delinquents in their performance during false memory and intentional deception tasks. Using DRM paradigm, both groups' performances were measured by analyzing their reaction time (RT), and percentage of 'Yes' responses (accuracy) to the different types of target words. EEG was used to measure P300 Event Related Potential (ERP) for false memory and deception. Findings showed that there was a significant difference between groups in terms of accuracy for false recognition. Nondelinquent participants took longer time in deciding a deceptive response compared to the delinquents, whereas the delinquent participants took more time in responding to false recognition. Finally, P300 event-related potential (ERP) analysis revealed amplitude differences between normal and delinquent participants for deception task; however, there was no significant difference in false memory condition. In conclusion, studies investigating reaction times and neural activities are important for better understanding of the mechanisms underlying false memory and deception.