Cheaters unmasked in brain scans An fMRI was used to record brain activity in the prefrontal cortex and other regions associated with decision making and behavioural control. Honest players showed no increase in brain activity when they had a chance to cheat, suggesting that they didn't have to make a conscious effort to be honest. In contrast, dishonest players showed increased brain activity whenever they had a chance to cheat – even when they reported (presumably truthfully) that they had lost. In fact, Greene and Paxton found that they could predict each player's degree of cheating from their brain activity with remarkable accuracy. If the results of this lab experiment can be generalised to real-world situations – a big if, Greene points out – then brain scans could someday be used to measure, for example, a prospective employee's overall honesty. Very interesting study. People who are natural liars may have to try not to lie! Should companies be able to scan potential employee's brains? As a potential employee would you sit for one? As a potential employer would you like to have potential employee's sit for one? Lastly, as potential employee's if you sat for one, do you think that your employer should also have to sit for one! What about for business partners? Very interesting isn't it? Brave new world, M
