The effect of language proficiency on second-language lie detection.
Date
2013-10-01
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Abstract
I examined whether observers’ own language proficiencies would affect their lie
detection judgments. In a previous study, native- and second-language English speakers
were videotaped as they either lied or told the truth about having cheated on a test (Da
Silva & Leach, 2013). A total of 284 undergraduate students viewed the videos and were
asked to indicate whether they believed that the individuals were being truthful or
deceptive. Observers performed better when judging native-language speakers than
second-language speakers. Furthermore, observers’ own language proficiencies had an
effect on bias: as the proficiency of observers decreased, they were more likely to judge
speakers as truth-tellers. However, there was no effect of language proficiency on
discrimination. These findings may inform law enforcement hiring practices. In addition,
they suggest that the use of interpreters in legal processes may be essential. Implications
of these findings will be further discussed.
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Keywords
Deception detection, Second-language speakers, Discrimination, Bias