Magnetic stimulation of the brain can change propensity to lie

What is it about?

In this seminal research paper it is demonstrated that after right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is stimulated by 1-Hz transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) pulses applied to disrupt excitability of respective cortical areas, propensity to lie about what was the object shown to the participant, propensity to lie decreased. Conversely, similar stimulation of the right DLPFC led to the opposite effect -- increase in the frequency of deceptive responses.

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Why is it important?

The article shows that (1) propensity for deceptive statements can be manipulated by TMS; (2) right and left hemisphere frontal cortices may have different roles in controlling sincere and unhonest behavior; (3) the results are consistent with the view that in order to lie it is necessary to inhibit habitual, near-automatic response tendencies. (Right DLPFC is known to be involved in impulse control and behavioral inhibition based motivational behavior.)