Detecting Lies from a Scientific Perspective

School of Continuing Education - Evidentia University

Detecting Lies from a Scientific Perspective

Study deception detection through evidence, testimony, facial expression and scientific research.

An intensive online course on the scientific foundations of lie detection, focused on testimony collection and analysis, content-analysis criteria, facial-expression analysis through FEAP, and the latest research on deception detection.

Open enrollment. Start anytime after enrollment and access activation.

Scientific deception detection

Move beyond intuition when evaluating truth and deception

This continuing education course explores the scientific foundations of lie detection. Students examine how testimony can be obtained and analyzed effectively, how content-analysis criteria can structure the information collected, and how facial expression may contribute to a broader evidence-based assessment.

The course also reviews recent scientific advances in deception detection and the main meta-analyses in the field, helping students understand the strengths, limitations and professional use of different methods.

A concise 4-week route into evidence-based lie detection and testimony analysis.

Course content

What the program covers

The course combines practical analysis tools with a careful review of what scientific research actually supports in the detection of lies.

01

Scientific foundations of lie detection

Introduction to the logic, possibilities and limits of detecting deception from a scientific perspective, avoiding purely intuitive approaches and focusing on evidence-based analysis.

02

Obtaining and analyzing testimony

Study how testimonies can be collected and examined more effectively, with attention to the structure and quality of the information obtained.

03

Content-analysis criteria

Analyze criteria used to break down and evaluate statement content, helping students organize observations and interpret information with greater rigor.

04

Facial expression and FEAP

Study facial expression as part of deception-related assessment, including the Facial Expression Analysis Protocol as a structured observation approach.

05

Polygraph and other tools

Review different lie-detection tools, including the polygraph, content analysis and facial-expression protocols, with attention to their practical use and limits.

06

Validity, reliability and emerging approaches

Critically examine empirical research and new developments connected to artificial intelligence, neuroscience and other scientific disciplines.

Evidence first

The course moves away from intuition and focuses on methods that can be reviewed through scientific criteria.

Statement analysis

Students learn to organize and evaluate testimony using content-analysis criteria and structured observation.

Method limits

The program helps students understand the practical use and limitations of tools such as the polygraph, FEAP and emerging approaches.

What you will learn

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

The course is organized around focused learning outcomes that connect scientific research with professional assessment practice.

01

Understand lie-detection tools

Analyze tools used in deception detection, including the polygraph, content analysis and the Facial Expression Analysis Protocol.

02

Evaluate scientific validity

Critically assess the validity and reliability of different tools using empirical studies, evidence and scientific criteria.

03

Explore new approaches

Identify emerging approaches and technologies in deception research, including artificial intelligence, neuroscience and related scientific fields.

Professional use

Where this course can help

A compact skill set for professionals who need to interpret statements, behavior and evidence with greater methodological caution.

1

Interviewing and statement analysis

2

Behavioral observation and assessment

3

Evidence-based decision support

Format and completion

Online, self-paced and clearly structured

Study through online lessons and materials, progress at your own pace within the course duration, and complete the required evaluations to earn the certificate.

How you study

Lessons and materials are available online. The course is self-paced within the published duration and does not require live classes.

How you complete it

Students must pass all quizzes, pass the final activity and reach a final score of 7/10 or higher to obtain the Certificate of Completion.

Ready to review this course?

Talk with an advisor about fit, payment options, access and next steps before you enroll.

Certificate of Completion issued by School of Continuing Education - Evidentia University.