Enhanced detection efficiency in reaction time-based concealed information test through response preparation interference

This study investigated the influence of cognitive interference on the detectability of concealed information in a reaction time (RT)-based concealed information test (CIT). The classical RT-based CIT was modified to interfere with response preparation, hypothesizing that this interference would enhance detection efficiency. A total of 120 participants were randomly assigned as “guilty” or “innocent” and were instructed to deny any knowledge related to a mock crime. The results revealed that guilty participants exhibited significantly longer RTs for probes than for irrelevant stimuli in both the classical and modified-CIT conditions (aka CIT effect). In contrast, innocent participants showed no difference in RTs between the probe and irrelevant stimuli under either condition. Furthermore, the modified-CIT yielded significantly higher detection efficiency than the classical-CIT. These findings signify promising advancements in the application of cognitive interventions in deception detection methodologies.