The Verifiability Approach: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The Verifiability Approach (VA) is a verbal veracity tool that assumes that truth tellers provide more details that can be verified and obtain a higher ratio of such details (verifiable details/total details) than liars. A VA meta-analysis was conducted. Results showed that truth tellers reported more verifiable details than liars (k = 20, N = 1532, g = 0.42). The effect was moderated by the presence of the information protocol and by the nature of the statement (event-related or not). Truth tellers reported a higher ratio of verifiable details than liars (k = 18, N = 1359, g = 0.49). The effect was moderated by the medium through which the statement was provided. Unverifiable details did not discriminate truth tellers from liars (k = 15, N = 957, g = −0.25). In conclusion, results showed good potential for the use the VA, although replications and field studies are needed.