Journal of Forensic Psychology

Abstract

Innocent Suspects Lying by Omission

Kevin C, Amina M, Neslihan JK, Molly M, Emily W, Lindsey C and Barry C

When, and under what conditions, do innocent people lie to investigators? This research was inspired by two cases where innocent suspects omitted the truth and came under suspicion. In a simulation of a theft from a faculty break room, participants were either told (1) not to take anything (no transgression innocent, NTI); (2) to commit a minor social transgression (social transgression innocent, STI ) or (3) to remove a wallet (guilty participants). Student investigators were presented with a photo suggesting guilt and were asked to interview each participant about her or his actions. Seven of 30 in the STI group chose to omit the transgression during the investigation (STIO). Those in the STI-O group appeared as guilty to investigators as the Guilty group, and guiltier than the STI and NTI groups. This omission fits with self-presentational concerns of innocent people to create a favorable impression and avoid suspicion. This behavior can impact police investigations and influence false confessions.