27 Jan, 2009
Lies Take Longer Than Truths
A new technique that separates truth from lies finds it takes about 30 percent longer to fib.
The computer-based analysis, reported in The Times of London, showed that British test subjects took 1.2 seconds on average to speak reality in recent tests, while prevarications took 1.8 seconds.
The timed antagonistic response alethiometer test (Tara) was developed by Aiden Gregg, a psychologist at the University of Southampton. It involves questions answered on a computer using the keyboard, then an algorithm to see how users did.
In 85 percent of cases, interviewees were slower when they lied.
Gregg figures his approach could replace traditional lie detector methods, which he says criminals have caught onto.
"Habitual liars heard that people look away when telling lies, so they stare directly into your eyes," he said.
A polygraph is not a lie detector, as LiveScience's Bad Medicine Columnist Christopher Wanjek has explained. A polygraph detects physiological expressions associated with lying in some people, such as a racing heart and sweaty fingers. The determination of truth vs. falsehood is subjective, and polygraph examiners are often wrong.
(To view full story written by Robert Roy Britt, go to LiveScience.com 1/26/09)
Truth or Lies?
Proverbs 12:22 [NIV]
The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in men who are truthful.
What does God's Story teach us about telling the truth?
Today's story is all about how scientists continue to look for ways to determine when someone is lying. Have you ever found yourself there...trying to discern if someone is being straight with you?
Unfortunately, it is a habit that far too many people have formed. Another researcher studied 10 minute conversations between complete strangers. The study, published in the Journal of Basic and Applied Psychology, found that 60 percent of people had lied at least once during the 10-minute conversation, saying an average of 2.92 inaccurate things.
God's Word clearly directs us to be the opposite of these findings. In today's passage, God doesn't mince any words. He comes right out and declares that He hates lies and delights in truth.
How can we connect today's story and God's story with my story?
God always wants the best for us. His desire for us to be men and women of truth is no different. Just think how much better our lives will be when we only speak truth.
- No more having to think up lies to cover our lies.
- No more nervously looking over our shoulder to see who might find out.
- No more getting caught! (Did you ever think about that? If you are tired of being in trouble, maybe it's as simple as choosing to do the right things!)
- More importantly, people will always know that you are speaking truth and will be able to trust you.
- Most importantly, God will be pleased...and that's always a good thing!
Ask for God's help. It is the only way we can do anything other than what comes naturally to us...and apparently, that is not telling the truth.
How can we connect today's story, God's story and my story with my friend's story?
- If you are serious about becoming a young man or woman of truth, consider this challenge: Every time you catch yourself telling a mistruth, go back to that person, admit it and ask for their forgiveness. It is really hard to do, and though it is a painful process, it will help you the next time you are tempted to lie.
- Talk to a friend about lying. Share with them about a time when you have fallen into it and ask if they have ever struggled with it. This will be a great opportunity to express to them that your desire is to be someone they can count on for truth at all times. It will help them to trust you in every circumstance.
- It will also give you the opportunity to share with them about our God who is incapable of lying and is someone you can always trust.
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