Understanding Lies Based on Evolutionary Psychology: A Critical Review

Abstract

The present article aims to propose a theoretical discussion regarding the role of lying based upon the Evolutionary Psychology perspective by shedding a new light on the main studies conducted in this area. In order to do so, this article addresses the phylogenies and ontogenies of the capability to lie, both suggesting that the rise of lying as a pro-social deed is intimately related with Homo sapiens incredibly broad and complex communication skills. Like so, the paper continues on expatiating on the underlying cognitive and neuronal mechanisms of lying and lying recognition, as well as the diff erences amongst genders concerning the ability to recognize deceit. Broadly, the present theoretic study may elucidate the current state of knowledge regarding the topic, thus signaling necessary and more promising paths for future studies to follow with the purpose of contributing to fi elds where the act of uttering lies is highly present, such as the judicial context.

Neural alignment during face‐to‐face spontaneous deception: Does gender make a difference?

“…Previous findings have revealed the gender difference in deception in terms of motivation (DePaulo et al, 1996; Meyers‐Levy & Loken, 2015), tactics (Tooke & Camire, 1991; Vasconcellos et al, 2019) and frequency (Capraro, 2017). Males usually display more self‐centered lies to increase their own benefits (DePaulo et al, 1996; Friesen & Gangadharan, 2012).…”

“…They usually lie to win the favor of females through false promises and spurious ability to obtain resources. While interacting with the same gender, they always tend to exaggerate their advantages, sexual ability, and popularity (Vasconcellos et al, 2019). However, females tell more other‐oriented lies to protect others' interests or comfort others to foster intimacy (DePaulo et al, 1996; Vasconcellos et al, 2019).…”

“…While interacting with the same gender, they always tend to exaggerate their advantages, sexual ability, and popularity (Vasconcellos et al, 2019). However, females tell more other‐oriented lies to protect others' interests or comfort others to foster intimacy (DePaulo et al, 1996; Vasconcellos et al, 2019). For example, although they did not like the art painting, females still tended to praise the painting by telling white lies to the art student who painted it (Bell & DePaulo, 1996).…”

“…The above gender differences in the motivation and tactics of deception maybe due to the differences in preferences between genders (Croson & Gneezy, 2009). Specifically, females appear to be more altruistic or other‐regarding (Croson & Gneezy, 2009), and show higher levels of anxiety during deception than males (Vasconcellos et al, 2016; Vasconcellos et al, 2019). Compared with females, males are more likely to show competitive preference (Croson & Gneezy, 2009).…”

Do Lie Detection Tools Really Catch Liars?

“…Despite both intriguing and fascinating, deception is a common phenomenon in social contexts 1 Many thinkers argue that lying is not only commonplace but also strictly necessary for group life 2 see also 3 . However, there are certain contexts in which it is essential to distinguish between a false and true statement.…”