Duped: Truth-Default Theory and the Social Science of Lying and Deception

Our Expert Review

Timothy Levine, one of the most cited deception researchers of the past two decades, presents his Truth-Default Theory (TDT) — a comprehensive framework explaining why people overwhelmingly default to believing others are truthful, even when presented with lies. The book synthesizes decades of research showing that humans detect deception at only slightly above chance rates (around 54%), and argues that this isn't a flaw but an adaptive feature: a society that assumes honesty functions far better than one that assumes deception. Levine challenges fundamental assumptions that have guided deception detection research for decades, including the widely cited DePaulo meta-analysis. The implications for polygraph practice are significant: understanding why people are naturally poor lie detectors helps explain both the appeal and the limitations of instrumental detection methods. Engaging, well-argued, and accessible.

What’s Inside

Who Should Read This

Anyone interested in the psychology of lying and why it's so hard to catch liars. Particularly illuminating for polygraph examiners and attorneys who want to understand the fundamental cognitive biases at play in deception detection.

How to Cite This Book