Mind WondersPlay

Reading PeopleTruth-Default Theory

The Truth Default

We're built to believe people, which is why liars usually get away with it

What makes it easy to believe directions to a café table but worth checking a last-minute change to a pickup address?

You'll find out

  • Watch your default in action
  • Notice what calls for a check
  • Keep the check simple

Why it matters

Keep ordinary plans moving and verify a claim before you act when getting it wrong would cost you.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 84 · Zone 10

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More in this zone

  1. 82Lie DetectionWe Catch Liars About Half the TimeMost people spot lies only slightly better than a coin flip
  2. 83Lie DetectionLiars Don't Always Look AwayLooking away is the most famous sign of lying, and one of the least reliable
  3. 85InterviewingAsk Them to Tell It BackwardsLying is mentally hard; telling the story backwards makes it harder
  4. 86InterviewingToo Much Detail, or Too Little?True stories tend to be richer in details you could actually check
  5. 87Lie DetectionLie Detectors Don't Detect LiesThe polygraph measures nerves, not lies
  6. 88LyingEverybody Lies a LittleThe average person tells about one or two lies a day, mostly small
  7. 89DevelopmentWhy Kids Start LyingA toddler's first lie is a sign their brain is growing up
  8. 90InterviewingThe Unexpected QuestionLiars rehearse their answers; they don't rehearse the question you didn't ask