Validating a new assessment method for deception detection: Introducing a Psychologically Based Credibility Assessment Tool

The current set of studies was designed to test a new credibility assessment tool, the Psychologically Based Credibility Assessment Tool (PBCAT). Participants watched lab-generated videos of true and false alibi statements, provided while under varying degrees of cognitive load. Judges either provided a truth/lie judgment only, or also rated 11 behavioral cues on the PBCAT. When stories were told under cognitive load the effectiveness of cues at discriminating truth/deception was enhanced, with targets under higher load judged more accurately. Results regarding the new assessment tool indicate that it is capable of improving deception detection performance, even with minimally trained, nonexpert observers.

► We tested the efficacy of a Psychologically Based Credibility Assessment Tool (PBCAT) at improving deception detection.
► We examined the effect of cognitive load on deception detection accuracy and cues to deception.
► Cognitive load was varied via a reverse order instruction (Study 1) and whether targets spoke a native language (Study 2).
► The PBCAT improved accuracy and targets under higher cognitive load were more accurately classified as honest or deceptive.
► Targets under higher cognitive load displayed cues that were more diagnostic of truth and deception.