For unveiled women, witnesses spotted the liars at a rate of about 50 per cent — no better than if they had flipped a coin. In another study Leach has tested the effect of balaclavas on witnesses and found no discernible difference. In a 2013 ruling, the Supreme Court of Canada effectively levied a courtroom ban on the wearing of niqabs by testifying witnesses. “It was only when witnesses wore veils (i.e., hijabs or niqabs) that observers performed above chance levels,” wrote the study. Leach’s study worked by taking female volunteers and showing them one of two videos featuring a woman and a backpack.

Source: National Post July 01, 2016 22:29 UTC