Essay On Deception

An Overview of Deception Literature

Deception is an under-researched and often contentious subject in the world of psychology, with most emphasis being placed on deception detection. Most researchers use the terms “deception” and “lying” interchangeably. Some find it comparable to “manipulation.” Deception has been defined as “an agent act[ing] or speak[ing] so as to induce a false belief in a target or victim” (Hyman, 1989). It is a tactic used to achieve personal gain or an advantage over another.

Deception is not limited to human behavior. History has shown how animals use deception for survival. Butterflies use deception in the form of mimicry to ward off predators. For example, a butterfly known as the Bicyclus anynana, has an eye-like

However, most lies can be broken down into two general categories: self-centered and other-oriented (DePaulo et al., 1996). “Self-centered” lies are the most common (DePaulo, Ansfield, & Bell, 1996). This type of lie is told in order to protect the self (DePaulo et al., 1996). For example, self-centered lies are often told in order to save the individual from embarrassment or from looking bad. They protect the individual from having their feelings hurt or receiving disapproval. Sometimes these lies are told in order to protect one’s own privacy, or to make others believe that the individual is better, or simply different, than who he or she really is. Self-centered lies are also told for the sake of personal advantage. For example, telling lies of this nature allow the individual elicit information or get their way. They also help the individual escape punishment or legal trouble. The second type of lie is other-oriented. “Other-oriented” lies, also called altruistic lies, are told in order to protect the interests of others (DePaulo et al., 1996). For instance, one may tell a lie in order to protect another person from worry, a conflict, or other unpleasantness, such as embarrassment. This kind of lie may also be told to boost another individual’s self-esteem, such as telling them that the pants they are wearing do not make them look fat. Often times, other-oriented lies are told in order to

DePaulo and Kashy (1998) conducted a study to examine the frequency of both self-centered and other-oriented lies. Additionally, they looked at whether those lies were told to individuals who were close to them or to strangers. They predicted that there would be a higher frequency of lying when talking to strangers than in close relationships. Their findings supported this hypothesis. Furthermore, they concluded that lies told to individuals close to them were disproportionately other-oriented. Ennis, Vrij, and Chance (2008) also conducted a study on self-centered and other-oriented lie telling. The results of the study were similar to that of DePaulo and Kashy. They found that individuals told more self-centered lies and fewer other-oriented lies when talking to strangers as opposed to close friends. Thus, there is an abundance of evidence indicating that people tend to be altruistically motivated then interacting with people with whom they feel close to (Kaplar & Gordon,