Interpersonal Deception Theory

By:Juanita Parris

What is it?

Interpersonal Deception Theory

(IDT)

Attempts to explain how individuals deal with actual or perceived

deception while engaged in face-to-face

communication.

Who uses it?IDT was created by David Buller and Judee Burgoon

Conducted over two dozen experiments in which they ask participants to deceive another person in same way or fashion

Prior to their study, deception had not been fully considered as a communication activity.

So what?Interpersonal Deception Theory is important to deception can come in any form of communication and may be present in any part of our lives.

CriticismNo big “why” question is

answered

There is no intriguing riddle or puzzle that needs to be solved

Since a social science theory should explain as well as describe, these critics question whether interpersonal deception theory is really a theory at all.

Key Facts about IDT:Strategic deception demands more mental effort than telling the truth.

Deceivers make more strategic moves and leak more nonverbal cues than truth tellers

As relational familiarity increases, deceivers become more afraid of detection, make more strategic moves, and display more leakage.