Nonverbal communication and deception: Differences in deception cues due to gender and communicator dominance

Abstract

This study investigates whether communicator characteristics (gender and communicator dominance) in nonverbal displays in truth‐telling circumstances can be used to predict differences in deception cue leakage. Based on the arguments advanced by Hocking and Leathers in their 1980 article, it was argued that individuals who are more likely to exhibit a controllable behavior that is judged as stereotypical of liars during truth‐telling would be more likely to suppress the behavior when lying. Male liars suppressed leg/foot movement and the use of illustrators when lying and increased facial adapting when lying (but only when prepared to lie). Contrary to expectations, there were no gender differences for laughter/smiling or for eye contact duration. Low dominant liars employed shorter latencies prior to lying and during a prepared lie than low dominant truth‐tellers. Low dominant liars also provided briefer answers and engaged in less postural shifting throughout the entire interaction than low dominant truth‐tellers. Results provided general support for the Hocking and Leathers perspective. Recommendations for future research are provided.