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The Nature of Deception

An exploration of truth and dishonesty

Deception
Can Pathological Liars Be Cured?

Christian L. Hart Ph.D. on April 8, 2023

Pathological liars deceive prolifically, causing massive problems in their lives. Recent research suggests psychotherapy can help them change.

Pathological liars deceive prolifically, causing massive problems in their lives. Recent research suggests psychotherapy can help them change.

Deception
Psychopaths and Pathological Lying

Christian L. Hart Ph.D. on March 30, 2023

Some people lie because they have a need to be liked or desire attention, but others lie prolifically because of a psychopathic urge to manipulate and harm.

Some people lie because they have a need to be liked or desire attention, but others lie prolifically because of a psychopathic urge to manipulate and harm.

Deception
A Brief History of Lie Detection

Christian L. Hart Ph.D. on March 29, 2023

Despite a history stretching back centuries, lie detection tools are still imperfect instruments for assessing dishonesty.

Despite a history stretching back centuries, lie detection tools are still imperfect instruments for assessing dishonesty.

Politics
Pathological Lying in Politics

Christian L. Hart Ph.D. on December 29, 2022

Recent accusations that certain politicians are pathological liars invite the question of whether the world of politics attracts pathological liars or creates them.

Recent accusations that certain politicians are pathological liars invite the question of whether the world of politics attracts pathological liars or creates them.

Bias
The Truth About Black Cat Bias

Christian L. Hart Ph.D. on October 27, 2022

A recent study sought to figure out why people are biased against black cats. Here's what the researchers found.

A recent study sought to figure out why people are biased against black cats. Here's what the researchers found.

Deception
The Paradox of Religiosity and Dishonesty

Christian L. Hart Ph.D. on September 27, 2022

Most religions forbid lying and other forms of dishonesty, but does that translate into religious people being more honest? Results from this study suggest otherwise.

Most religions forbid lying and other forms of dishonesty, but does that translate into religious people being more honest? Results from this study suggest otherwise.

Deception
Why Liars Tell Pointless Lies

Christian L. Hart Ph.D. on September 26, 2022

While pathological liars may seem to tell purposeless lies, a closer look can help us see what their true motivations are.

While pathological liars may seem to tell purposeless lies, a closer look can help us see what their true motivations are.

Deception
Why Pathological Liars Keep Lying

Christian L. Hart Ph.D. on March 7, 2022

Have you ever wondered why pathological liars are so dishonest all of the time? It turns out that they may be motivated to lie for the same reasons that we all lie—just more so.

Have you ever wondered why pathological liars are so dishonest all of the time? It turns out that they may be motivated to lie for the same reasons that we all lie—just more so.

Deception
A Theory of Lying and Dishonesty

Christian L. Hart Ph.D. on March 5, 2022

A simple theory explains why people are dishonest, when they are likely to be dishonest, and who is likely to be the biggest liar in your life.

A simple theory explains why people are dishonest, when they are likely to be dishonest, and who is likely to be the biggest liar in your life.

Deception
Why Are We So Honest?

Christian L. Hart Ph.D. on January 29, 2021

Trust and cooperation were necessary for our ancestors' survival. Have we inherited their tendency to be honest?

Trust and cooperation were necessary for our ancestors' survival. Have we inherited their tendency to be honest?

Deception
The Only Way to Really Detect When Someone Is Lying

Christian L. Hart Ph.D. on November 23, 2020

When supposed experts promise to teach you the best way to detect liars, they typically and ironically offer advice that will make you an ineffective lie detector.

When supposed experts promise to teach you the best way to detect liars, they typically and ironically offer advice that will make you an ineffective lie detector.