Episode 293 - How to Stop Lying w/ Dr. Corey Stocco
Nov 20, 2024
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Dr. Corey Stocco, an expert in behavior analysis focusing on lying in children, unpacks the intriguing world of dishonesty. He kicks off with a giant lie to illustrate honesty's complexities. Discussion pivots to the ethics of lying and how storytelling shapes our understanding of deceit. Stocco emphasizes behavioral interventions to foster honesty and the role of praise among teens. The conversation critiques current research methods, advocating for innovative approaches to better understand the motivations behind lying in youth.
The podcast discusses how lying can be context-dependent, emphasizing that social norms sometimes justify dishonesty to maintain harmony.
Interventions promoting honesty in children should focus on reinforcing truth-telling while considering the nuances of specific situations.
There is a significant gap in research on the behavioral analysis of lying, particularly in understanding developmental and contextual influences.
Deep dives
Introduction to Lying and Its Contexts
The episode explores the phenomenon of lying, focusing on its significance in everyday interactions and behavior analysis. A key point discussed is the varying contexts in which lying can occur, highlighting that there are situations where lying might not be deemed negative. The conversation touches on how certain social norms can justify lies, particularly in situations where telling the truth may lead to discomfort or conflict. By examining personal anecdotes and examples, the speakers illustrate how honesty, while often valued, can sometimes lead to more complicated social dynamics.
The Importance of Context in Lying Behavior
The discussion emphasizes that the decision to lie or tell the truth is often context-dependent, influenced by various social and emotional factors. For instance, in scenarios where maintaining social harmony is critical, individuals might opt for a 'white lie' to avoid hurting someone's feelings. The podcast challenges the notion that lying is inherently negative by considering the broader implications of truth-telling in relationships. This perspective suggests that while honesty is important, the context needs to dictate the appropriateness of truth-telling versus lying.
Research Gaps in Understanding Lying
The episode highlights a significant gap in empirical research surrounding the behavioral analysis of lying, particularly in children and adolescents. It underscores the lack of comprehensive studies that examine the antecedent and consequent factors leading to lying behaviors. The speakers express a need for researchers to delve deeper into understanding lying as a multifaceted behavior influenced by developmental, social, and contextual variables. They encourage the behavior analysis community to conduct more rigorous studies to explore these dynamics and develop effective interventions.
Interventions Based on Honesty and Lying
The podcast discusses various interventions aimed at promoting honesty in children, exploring strategies that can discourage lying behavior. One significant point made is the need to reinforce truth-telling rather than solely punishing lying. The conversation suggests implementing context-specific training to educate children on when honesty is crucial versus when slight dishonesty might be socially acceptable. By focusing on the nuances of each situation, the aim is to equip children with the skills to navigate complex social situations more effectively.
Social Validity and the Future of Lying Research
Finally, the episode touches on the concept of social validity in relation to lying and honesty interventions. The speakers posit that understanding how different populations perceive lying and the circumstances under which they find it acceptable will inform future research. They call for more nuanced studies examining individual differences in perceptions of truth-telling and lying. By doing so, researchers can better align interventions with the values and beliefs of the communities they aim to serve, ensuring the relevance and impact of future findings.
When Dr. Corey Stocco started his talk about teaching honesty by telling the audience a giant lie, we just knew we had to get him on the show. Finally, our wish comes true as Dr. Stocco tells us the truth, the whole truth, about how to improve honest behavior by decreasing lying. Whether cheating on homework or playing with someone else’s toys, we dig into the behavioral consequences that make lying fun. Promise!
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