Background
The ability to accurately detect deception is presently very limited. Detecting deception
might be more accurately achieved by measuring the brain correlates of lying in an
individual. In addition, a method to investigate the neurocircuitry of deception might
provide a unique opportunity to test the neurocircuitry of persons in whom deception
is a prominent component (i.e., conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder,
etc.).
Methods
In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to show that specific
regions were reproducibly activated when subjects deceived. Subjects participated
in a mock crime stealing either a ring or a watch. While undergoing an fMRI, the subjects
denied taking either object, thus telling the truth with some responses, and lying
with others. A Model-Building Group (MBG, n = 30) was used to develop the analysis methods, and the methods were subsequently
applied to an independent Model-Testing Group (MTG, n = 31).
Results
We were able to correctly differentiate truthful from deceptive responses, correctly
identifying the object stolen, for 93% of the subjects in the MBG and 90% of the subjects
in the MTG.
Conclusions
This is the first study to use fMRI to detect deception at the individual level. Further
work is required to determine how well this technology will work in different settings
and populations.
Key Words
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: September 27, 2005
Accepted:
July 27,
2005
Received in revised form:
July 18,
2005
Received:
April 29,
2005
Identification
Copyright
© 2005 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
