The Scientific Research Network on Decision Neuroscience & Aging (SRNDNA) funded a pilot study led by Alayna Shoenfelt and Dr. Natalie Ebner. This study examines how aging and neurobiological risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) impact deception detection, a skill that has been shown to decline with age. It explores the role of two social signals—eye contact and physiological synchrony (the alignment of physiological states like pupil dilation)—in this decline. Eye contact is important for interpreting intentions, while physiological synchrony may increase susceptibility to deception. The study will involve 30 young and 30 older adult pairs who will participate in a face-to-face deception task while their eye movements are recorded. Researchers hypothesize that eye contact and physiological synchrony may help explain age-related declines in deception detection, along with individual difference factors such as theory of mind ability and ADRD risk. This research aims to enhance understanding of deception detection deficits in face-to-face interaction in aging and explore potential interventions to protect older adults from exploitation.
Researchers involved:
