Representation and Reasoning Under Uncertainty in Deception Detection: A Neuro-Fuzzy Approach

An analysis of the process and human cognitive model of deception detection (DD) shows that DD is infused with uncertainty, especially in high-stake situations. There is a recent trend toward automating DD in computer-mediated communication. However, extant approaches to automatic DD overlook the importance of representation and reasoning under uncertainty in DD. They represent uncertain cues as crisp values and can only infer whether deception occurs, but not to what extent deception occurs. Based on uncertainty theories and the analyses of uncertainty in DD, we propose a model to represent cues and to reason for DD under uncertainty, and address the uncertainty due to imprecision and vagueness in DD using fuzzy sets and fuzzy logic. Neuro-fuzzy models were developed to discover knowledge for DD. The evaluation results on five data sets showed that the neuro-fuzzy method not only was a good alternative to traditional machine-learning techniques but also offered superior interpretability and reliability. Moreover, the gains of neuro-fuzzy systems over traditional systems became larger as the level of uncertainty associated with DD increased. The findings of this paper have theoretical, methodological, and practical implications to DD and fuzzy systems research.