Download - Foreign Military Studies Office - U.S. Army

These devices are associated with the manipulator’s desire to
intentionally change the content of communications reported to the receiver.
Methods to accomplish this include:
• Presenting an intentional lie or partial distortion of information to
disinform or giving neutral information where facts are arranged in
such a way as to lead audiences to a particular conclusion.
• Giving a one-sided or subjective explanation of a subject under
discussion.
• Concealing important information or delaying in the reporting of it.
• Reducing information by glossing over information that may be
harmful to the manipulator while emphasizing desired information
in greater detail.
• Chopping information by presenting it in fragmented form to
benefit the manipulator.
• Presenting rumors as truths, especially if they appear indisputable.
• Reducing the criticality of information by overloading the receiver
with information.
• Including self-criticism on unimportant issues to create the
appearance of objectivity.
• Conveying information that can be ascribed to a neutral source that
the receiver trusts.
• “Leaking” reputedly confidential information that is not
confidential.
• Pretending to communicate information on behalf of “trustworthy”
sources.
• Using slander to poison the receiver’s opinion of others.
Psychological Devices
These devices turn personality weaknesses to one’s advantage or
provoke an individual to lose control. Under the influence of these conditions,
the receiver may make mistakes that benefit the manipulator. These methods
include:
• Making a statement with multiple meanings, which shows the
receiver that much is known about him, but for some special
motive is not being revealed.
• Citing authorities whose opinions of the subject cannot be
substantiated.
• Making unsupportable pledges and promises in advance.
• Creating an atmosphere of trust, although the manipulator barely
knows the receiver.
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