Nonverbal predictors in the estimates of truthful and deceptive statements

Abstract

A microstructural analysis of perception of a partner in communication was carried out. Mute video recordings of 15 clips of a structured conversation in which communicants expressed true and false judgments, were subjected to complex coding. In each 40 ms frame 51 nonverbal signs/102 binary markers indicating the state of the facial zones, the nature of the movements of the head, hands and body were considered. Based on expert estimates, the proportion of frames was calculated, in which each of the markers is present at selected time intervals. Looking at the video clips, 35 observers intuitively, by external features, determined the fragments when the communicator is telling truth and when lying. The frequency and time of occurrence of markers were analyzed. Frequency regression models of “true” and “false” response of communicants were built. It is shown that the required estimates are performed by the observer 1.5—2 seconds before the answer. High-frequency features form a stable core of the impression of the reliability of the communicator’s judgments, complemented with changeable low-frequency features explaining the growth of explanatory power of regression models. Markers have been identified that contribute to adequate perception of the reliability of information reported. The style of non-verbal behavior of people implementing alternative communication strategies is described.