Educing Information: Interrogation - National Intelligence University

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Research on Detection of Deception
What We Know vs. What We Think We Know
Gary Hazlett, Psy.D.
November 2005
Abstract
This review examines the scientific literature regarding our current capacity
to detect deception by observing behavioral indicators and identifies additional
research that might improve that capacity. It focuses on methods
that can be used in person-to-person communication without extensive technological
support. The findings indicate that common beliefs about reliable
cues to deception are frequently incorrect, and that research in this area to
date may be largely irrelevant to national security needs. The study recommends
that the United States adopt an aggressive, focused plan to support
research and development of enhanced capabilities to validate information
and the veracity of sources. Such a plan should concentrate on understanding
actual behavior and should prioritize projects on the basis of operational
needs, operational realities, cost, and potential return on investment.
Introduction
The capacity of the United States to engage in effective intelligence
collection and counterterrorism operations has historically been handicapped by
the relatively low quantity and quality of human source intelligence available to
inform planning and decision-making.
In response, the U.S. government has decided to increase significantly the
number of human intelligence collectors operating in the field. However, more
collectors will not by themselves produce real improvements in performance. New,
more effective tactics, techniques, and procedures, along with better training, are
also necessary. Specifically, the Intelligence Community must improve its abilities
to develop information from human sources through debriefing, elicitation, and
interrogation efforts. Despite the best efforts of dedicated human intelligence
collectors, the Intelligence Community has become highly dependent upon
technical means for breakthroughs in intelligence collection.
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