Differentiating orienting and defensive responses to concealed information: the role of verbalization.

Using physiological measures, concealed information can be validly assessed. Orienting theory has been proposed to account for concealed information testing. As orienting is characterized by heart rate deceleration, one would expect this type of heart rate response to concealed information. However, with some exceptions, an initial heart rate acceleration to concealed information is typically observed. In the present paper, we examine the role of verbalization to explain the mixed pattern of heart rate changes. Using a within-subjects design, 30 participants were asked to either remain silent or to give an overt verbal response ("yes"/"no") to concealed autobiographical and control information. The results indicate that verbalization accounts for the initial heart rate acceleration. In line with the orienting theory, initial heart rate deceleration is observed when participants remained silent.