Date of Award

3-2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

David P. Biros, PhD

Abstract

Government reliance on computer-mediated information has transformed it from "enabler" to "target" which now demands the detection of manipulated and deceptive measures a primary security objective. As people are not inherently good performers at detecting deceptive communications, this study draws on interpersonal deception theory (Burgoon, 1986) and social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) to measure personal perceptions that influence decisions operationalized as the successful detection of a deceptive measure. Department of Defense personnel (N--119) participated in a longitudinal experiment that measured detection performance before and after training and feedback treatments. Self-efficacy and perceived training effectiveness emerged as dominant factors in predicting performance. The most significant finding was the reciprocated effect of feedback on performance history as it clearly governed self-reports of self-efficacy and training effectiveness, which in turn positively influenced future deception detection accuracy. This suggests the cognitive foundation for future decision- making can be altered and performance predicted as a result. Furthermore, while personal beliefs influence behavior, realized performance will direct personal beliefs which in turn further influence future behavior. It is recommended that continued research on the effect of honest feedback and effects of media richness be investigated when regarding computer-mediated information.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GIR-ENV-03-09

DTIC Accession Number

ADA415135

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