The Dangers of Speaking a Second Language: An Investigation of Lie Bias and Cognitive Load

Today's world is an interconnected global village. Communication and business transactions are increasingly conducted in non-native languages. Literature suggests that biases are present when communicating in non-native languages; that a truth bias is present in first language communication, and a lie bias in second language communication. Less than 10% of South Africa's population identifies with English, the lingua franca of the country, as a first language. Not much research in the presence of bias in second language communication has been published in the South African multi-lingual context. This study evaluated the presences of bias within deception frameworks such as the Truth Default State and the veracity effect. This study investigated whether deception detection can be improved by modifying the conditions under which statements are given by placing statement providers under cognitive load. The accuracy of veracity judgment language profiling software, LIWC2015, using published deception language profiles was compared against the results of the participating veracity judges. Results of the study were mixed. It was consistent with extant literature in a presence of a truth bias overall, but mixed in terms of a lie bias. The results supported the Truth Default Theory and veracity effect frameworks. LIWC2015 performed marginally better than human judges in evaluating veracity.

Grantor

Department of Psychology

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Dippenaar, Andre

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Tredoux, Colin G

• Lie Bias
• Truth Bias
• Deception Detection
• Cognitive Load
• Veracity Assessment.

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32623

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/32623