Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am supposed to interview an expert on this, but I cannot find one. If a moderator can think of someone I can interview one on one or through email, please say so!
Anyway, here are my questions:

-What are the most commonly accepted mannerisms of lying?
-What are the characteristics of a liar?
-Why do people lie?
-Who (age/gender) tends to lie most?
-What gives away that a person is lying?
-Why do lie detectors work?
-Where on the body gives away that a person lying?
-How does the body react when the person is lying?
-How do people behave when lying?

I know these are a lot of questions, but if you could please answer these as soon as you can, that would be wonderful.
THANK YOU!!!!!!

Hi,

I am not an expert on this subject, but the following sites might help you with the questions:

http://www.truthaboutdeception.com/dete ... _cues.html

http://people.howstuffworks.com/lie-detector.htm


Be skeptical of this link:

http://www.blifaloo.com/info/lies.php

I think these sites will answer most of the questions you posed, but are the answers truthful? Only the shadow knows… I certainly do not.

Good luck on your project!

Barrett Tomlinson

Perhaps you might interview a local psychologist? Do you live near a university--that is often a good source of experts to interview. Or, I wonder if someone at the local police station would know about lying?

good luck

-What are the most commonly accepted mannerisms of lying?
1.What are the characteristics of a liar?
2.Why do people lie?
3. Who (age/gender) tends to lie most?
4. What gives away that a person is lying?
5. Why do lie detectors work?
6. Where on the body gives away that a person lying?
7. How does the body react when the person is lying?
8. How do people behave when lying?

OKay--> in order. These are my answers as I know someone whom is doing this. These may not be right(so research);
1. sweating, stammering, avoiding.
2. to avoid, to get(Eg- a friend), to look 'cool' or 'impressive'
3. ages- 12-18, girls usually b/c they want to be popular and have Boy-friends
4. same as number one, with odd or unusual actions
5. They check for differences in heart rate, brain waves, and other stuff(Really check this!!!)
6. Hands, face
7. flinching, slight halt(stammer-eg) of body function(S)
8. the same or odd(depends, humans are all different)

Here is info on how a lie detector works from a fairly reliable source:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/lie-detector.htm

Does your school have a psychologist? Maybe you could interview him/her. I'm sure they would love to help a student.