Enhanced detection efficiency in reaction time‐based concealed information test through response preparation interference

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of cognitive interference on the detectability of concealed information in a reaction time (RT)‐based concealed information test (CIT). The classical RT‐based CIT was modified to interfere with response preparation, hypothesizing that this interference would enhance detection efficiency. A total of 120 participants were randomly assigned as “guilty” or “innocent” and were instructed to deny any knowledge related to a mock crime. The results revealed that guilty participants exhibited significantly longer RTs for probes than for irrelevant stimuli in both the classical and modified‐CIT conditions (aka CIT effect). In contrast, innocent participants showed no difference in RTs between the probe and irrelevant stimuli under either condition. Furthermore, the modified‐CIT yielded significantly higher detection efficiency than the classical‐CIT. These findings signify promising advancements in the application of cognitive interventions in deception detection methodologies.