Improving Training in Deception Detection Techniques to uncover Deceit in Terran and non-Terran species
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Title
Author
Midshipman, USS Gettysburg-1863
Abstract
Furthermore, a case is made for improvement in training of security forces by providing Xenology courses and more advanced deception training to increase reliability of such methods.
Introduction
Studies of deceit and deception leakage via emotional expression were pioneered in the 20th Century. Through careful observation of a subject, minute and cursory expressions of emotion (micro-expressions), along with body language, speech (vocal and word choice), and physiological analysis, could reveal deception leakages. In one example, Dr. Paul Ekman posited that basic emotions were universal among human cultural designations. Using that premise, one could speculate that the majority of humanoid lifeforms, could share “Distinctive Universal Signals” (Ekman) for emotions and therefore deception.
Current models for deception detection often require the use of technology, where instruments can gather data on the subject during the course of their testimony. Body language, including eye, hand, and leg movement are captured live; physiological statistics are captured along with vitals including perspiration, voice pitch and projection, heart rate, body heat, and neurological activity in key areas of humanoid brains related to deception; vocal qualities assessed along with word choice, deflection, avoidance, and cadence are all analyzed by a computer algorithm.
This works in a stable, laboratory-like setting where variables can be controlled and requires a significant investment in time and resources, which make it unsuitable for use in the field (though some vitals can be monitored through tricorders and other various scanners). Often, such technology and techniques are only used during the course of an interrogation, during discoveries where the individual is considered hostile to that process, or if there is already a belief that the subject may be actively attempting deception. This also requires either the summons, subpoena, or detention of the subject, which may give them warning that their attempts are being examined.
Furthermore, while many in the field rely on “gut feelings”, which may indicate that they are ‘naturals’ for determining micro-expressions and/or deception, there is currently a lack of focus on training such detection techniques for Terran subjects, and even less for the application of techniques on non-Terran subjects. This is despite previous and emerging evidence in Xenology fields that show non-Terrans not only share common emotions with Terrans, but also express those emotions in much the same way.
We will explore the facets of emotional expression among Terran and non-Terran species, techniques needed for analysis of deception leakages in both Terran and non-Terran subjects, and argue for new training for Security forces throughout the Federation.
Emotions and Expressions in Terrans
Anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness and surprise were identified by Dr. Paul Eckman in the 20th century as being core emotions for humans. Further study revealed that, counter to Eckman’s previous theorization, these emotions were not socially learned or culturally variable, but instead were innate in both humans and other primates (Eckman, et al.). Following several cultural studies, it was also discovered that these emotions were tied to facial configurations, body language, and voice, and that there were universal expressions of those emotions. The characteristics of the basic emotions are what make them distinct from one another and can even be distinguished from other affective phenomena, as explored by Eckman’s work.
This idea of basic emotions does not detract from the experience of what could be called ‘complex’ emotions, for which humans have a wide variety of terms and definitions for. Instead, it is argued, that complex emotions are simply a mixture of basic emotions reflected in part by experience and antecedent events. Work by scholars, philosophers, and more recently telepaths have confirmed that complex emotions do exist. Complex emotions, for humans, are also shown through facial cues in that they are expressed at the same time. Therefore, both disgust and fear could exist at the same time within a facial expression, just as surprised happiness could exist, for example, when a surprise party is thrown.
It is precisely this issue that requires careful study and training in order to be effective at uncovering clues to the emotional state of a subject. Even then, emotions do not always relate directly to an event occurring but may reawaken feelings from prior events which trigger an emotional response in that particular person. Being careful with one’s judgement is of the utmost importance, and being armed with as much knowledge of the subject, event, and situation beforehand also helps to uncover the true emotional state of a subject.
Emotions and Expressions in Non-Terrans
Xenoethnographic research into Non-Terran species has also uncovered the same basic emotions in the vast majority of humanoid carbon-based lifeforms. More importantly, there are the same linkages found in speech, body, and facial expression, though not always as obvious as in humans.
One study done recently by Dr. Matthew Halparr showed that the same basic emotional states are shared by Klingons. However, key differences were found in how the subjects emoted, and that some emotions were supressed more than others. One example, showed that anger, disgust, and surprise were all shown freely, and often were easier to detect. Pictures of Klingons expressing a variety of emotions were shown to human participants upon Halparr’s return: of the three hundred and forty participants shown the pictures, nearly eighty percent were able to correctly identify both anger and disgust in Klingon faces, with another sixty percent correctly identifying surprise. With happiness, sadness, and fear, the results were less conclusive, with happiness being identified by less than chance. However, upon additional contextual clues provided by showing videos of Klingons emoting, the frequency of correct emotions chosen by the participants increased by an average of ten percent.
Another study conducted by Dr. T’Pav of Vulcans found similar evidence of basic emotional states, but even heavier suppression (as one might imagine) of those emotions and emoting. Still, it was shown that some emotional leakage occurred on occasion, and human study participants were able to correctly identify ‘when’ a Vulcan was suppressing an emotion in pictures, though rarely correctly identifying what that emotion was. Further study by Dr. T’Pav of Vulcans serving alongside humans, or participating in diplomatic duties to human worlds did in fact show an increase in emoting, particularly in the presence of humans. Happiness and surprise were the chief emotions shown by those in extended company of humans, though still often heavily supressed compared to how a Terran might emote the same. In videos shown to one hundred and seventy-five human participants of Vulcan Star Fleet Officers in diplomatic positions conversing with human colleagues, an average of sixty-six percent were able to correctly identify when that Vulcan was emoting happiness.
From these studies it is reasonable to conclude that the detection of emotions in non-Terran species is possible, if not always being able to correctly identify the particular emotion. While this can cause problems when attempting to detect deceit, it does not necessarily disqualify the techniques used in uncovering deception leakage.
Detection of Deceit; Techniques
As the prominent researcher Dr. Paul Eckman uncovered so long ago, there is no emotion for deceit itself. Instead deception is an intricate attempt at withholding the truth, often composed of emotions (supressed or not), contextual clues, and physiological hints of stress, that show its existence. Along with this are active attempts by a subject to conceal the truth from a detector, for which false emotions, facts, or portrayals are provided in order to steer people away from the verity of testimony. Paying attention to key areas, while keeping in mind clues and context previously known or uncovered, are essential in detecting deception and unknowing leakage of such by subjects.
Body language, speech, and voice are often key indicators of the stress brought about by actively deceiving a detector. While an incident may induce stress in an individual, it is important to note that deception is often found in the extremes and consistency of stress reactions. For instance, being poorly prepared in the recollection of an event, or the opposite, too well prepared: inconsistent information, missed details or vagueness, versus volunteering information, guessing what information you want, or not pausing to recollect. For body language this may be seen as the unconscious covering of one’s mouth, the crossing of one’s arms, or casing vital reproductive areas.
The face however is given a significant amount of importance by Eckman, as facial tells (at least in Terrans) are ubiquitous. By studying muscle groups in the face, it is possible to find deception leakage as not all emoting done by the face can be controlled by the deceiver. These are called “reliable” muscles, and are a part of micro-expressions that cannot be controlled. For instance, this can happen when someone in a very stressful circumstance, such as an investigation into murder for which they committed, becomes happy that someone has bought their lies. They smile, and not the sort of smile that is put on everyday as someone goes to work, but a full and unrestrained smile that pulls the muscles in the mouth, eyes, and cheeks.
It is the combination of these detection elements in uncovering patterns in behavior and physiological responses that allow for the possibility of detecting deception leakage. However, it is important to note that context and understanding of the subject who is under scrutiny is also vitally important: some people are natural introverts and may seem like they are giving avoidance leakage, when it is simply their shy nature shining through; they may avoid eye contact, say little, give short answers, show rigidity in body, and discomfort during intense questioning.
This understanding of the subject becomes vital in dealing with non-Terran subjects, who may emote altogether differently. As an example, interrogating a Vulcan would invariably invite much different results than interrogating a Klingon.
The critical element in deception detection then is the understanding of the base qualities before applying techniques to uncover deceit.
Training in Deception Leakage For Terran and non-Terrans
Current training provided to Star Fleet Security Officers is limited in terms of advanced deception detection techniques complicated by the complexity involved in attempting to codify deceit and emotional expression in the vast multitude of species that make up the Federation and beyond; for instance, the difference in psychology of two and four-lobed individuals. Yet Security Officers often are able to make assumptions of deceit while in the field, and rely on their ‘gut-instinct’ in order to lead them to more evidence of deception.
Instead of asking Officers to rely on instinct alone, it is plausible that providing training can increase awareness and detection in situ. Providing training specifically for deception leakage would significantly improve overall rates of detection – particularly where an over reliance on technology has dampened more traditional investigative work. It would also create and engender a more pervasive attitude of understanding and respect for cultural norms which may differ from the Officer’s homeworld.
It is therefore suggested that Security Officers be offered, or even required, to take courses in, or that have elements composed of, Xenology. This could be enhanced by new courses that are tailored specifically to the psychology and ethnography of Federation species as it relates to law, order, and investigation. Such additional courses would have other positive effects on the training of personnel, such as providing indirect cultural sensitivity training through the understanding of the dynamics of those societies and cultures.
Lastly, an argument for an increase of studies involving ethnographic research into other species would only enhance the training suggested above, and the capabilities of all Star Fleet personnel. The Federation would do well to offer as much assistance to those wishing to undertake such research in order to better understand the various ethnicities that reside within the borders of our united peoples.
Conclusions
Expressions of emotion have been shown to occur in many a variety of Federation member species, from Klingons to Vulcans; and more than could not be explored here. Furthermore, there seems to be a positive correlation in terms of expression and deception leakage. As more ethnographic studies of member worlds and cultures expand, that knowledge of how emotions (and therefore deceit) are expressed in a variety of species and scenarios increases – suggesting that fostering more scientific studies in such areas would be fruitful to the area of deception detection.
One could suggest that deception detection without the use of technology is much like that of an Art, that either with talent or practice (or both), one can become a master of that domain. In that sense, increasing training is a practical way to assure that all officers have some grasp on this essential skill for front line security work. The techniques, while not fool proof, serve to increase the chances of detection upon confrontation of deceit. Even those with inherent abilities would do well to increase their knowledge and become formidable detectors.
Reliance on only technology is limiting, and leaves the Federation open to various sources of intrigue that could otherwise be detected. It is then suggested that a combination of technology, deception detection training, and Xenology courses for security forces, would ensure positive growth in the abilities of our detectors to uncover deceit regardless of species. Progression to a more thorough understanding of emotional leakage in all Federation member cultures, and beyond, would only serve to increase and provide Justice For All.
