Sidetracked by emotion: observers' ability to discriminate genuine and fabricated sexual assault allegations

Peace, Kristine; Porter, Stephen; Almon, Daniel

Sidetracked by emotion: observers' ability to discriminate genuine and fabricated sexual assault allegations

Author

Peace, Kristine

Porter, Stephen

Almon, Daniel

Date

2012

Keywords

deception, credibility, observation

Abstract (summary)

Assessing the credibility of reports of sexual victimization – often in the absence of corroboration – presents a significant challenge for legal decision makers. This study examined the accuracy of observers in discriminating genuine and fabricated sexual assault allegations. Further, we examined whether individual differences and cue utilization strategies influenced deception detection accuracy.

Publication Information

Peace, K. A., Porter, S., & Almon, D. (2012). Sidetracked by emotion: Observers’ ability to discriminate genuine and fabricated sexual assault allegations. Legal and Criminological Psychology, 17, 322-335. doi: 10.1111/j.2044-8333.2011.02013.x