Challenges in detecting proximal effects of existential threat on lie detection accuracy

Abstract The present work documents our investigation of proximal (i.e., immediate) effects existential threat on the process lie detection. Specifically, we hypothesized that detection accuracy will be higher in a mortality salience (MS) condition compared with control condition. In two lab-based studies ( N = 120; 109) and one internet study 1294), did not find any evidence for this hypothesis, is, MS were constantly significant. However, these null findings should overstated. Instead, contribution aims to reveal theoretical methodological challenges properly testing accuracy. First, make transparent assumptions regarding underlying mechanisms changed during research from MS-induced vigilance (Studies 1 2) negative affect (Study 3) remain speculative. Moreover, show how why adapted operationalization optimize adequate idea. sum, informative conducting future rather than provide conclusive against or favor investigated