Meta-Research Perspectives on Verbal Lie Detection

Verbal lie detection (VLD) research, conducted mainly in the cognitive sciences, examines content-based indicators that differ between truth-tellers and lie-tellers. Following the meta-research approach (examination of the research itself), the current paper aimed to ascertain the current status of VLD research across three components: the search for VLD indicators, VLD coding, and VLD research tracks. It highlights several issues that challenge VLD research; these are discussed, along with suggestions for how to address them. This scrutiny may contribute to a further advancement of the field of VLD research and, as a result, an improvement of VLD practices.