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Table 1 Content criteria for statement analysis (from Steller & Köhnken, 1989)

From: A comparison of the effectiveness of two types of deceit detection training methods in older adults

Category

Criterion

Description for present research

General characteristics

1. Logical structure

True accounts have an inner coherence and consistency (Undeutsch, 1984)

2. Quantity of details

Abundant detail is impossible to fake (e.g., detailed description of the place). Do not count repetitions of the same details

Specific contents

3. Contextual embedding

Real incidents occur within the everyday relationships and happenings of life

4. Descriptions of interactions

Describing interactions is a sign of credibility

5. Reproduction of conversation

Dialogue of speakers is reported

6. Unexpected complications during the incident

Surprising problems happen in real life

Peculiarities of content

7. Unusual details

Odd details are a sign of credibility

8. Superfluous details

When someone lies they don’t think of inventing irrelevant details, but these are often told in true accounts

9. Accounts of subjective mental state

Reports of feelings or cognitions during the event indicate credibility

10. Attribution of perpetrator’s mental state

Reporting the affective reactions and thoughts of others is a sign of credibility

Motivation-related contents

11. Spontaneous corrections

Liars do not correct their statements

12. Admitting lack of memory

Liars do not admit to lack of memory

13. Raising doubts about one’s own testimony

Liars do not raise doubts about their own testimony

14. Self-deprecation

Liars are confident