Interactive deception in group decision-making: New insights from communication pattern analysis

Abstract

Interpersonal deception is a dynamic process in which participating individuals adjust and adapt their behaviors as the deception proceeds. Using THEME, we demonstrate that deceptive communication in group settings is highly patterned. We further examine patterning behavior using the strategy-focused lens of Interpersonal Deception Theory (Buller and Burgoon, Commun Theory 6(3):203–242, 1996). Correlation and regression analyses suggest that (1) deceivers tend to be strategically assertive as they carry out deception in group settings, and (2) individuals suspicious of deception tend to engage in probing behavior, ostensibly attempting to confirm their suspicions. Our findings demonstrate the value of analyzing deceptive behavior in terms of patterning to gain greater insight into the complex deception process.