Eye tracking as a Tool for deception detection with CIT

This database was collected as part of a study investigating a novel eye-tracking–based method for detecting concealed knowledge. The dataset includes eye-tracking measurements from 39 participants (age range 19–60 years, M = 28.05, SD = 9.5; 56% female, 44% male) who were randomly assigned to either a “guilty” (n = 20) or “innocent” (n = 19) group. The experimental protocol consisted of a two-phase design: a mock crime scenario followed by a Concealed Information Test (CIT). In the mock crime phase, participants in the guilty group completed a standardized task that ensured consistent exposure to critical details: Gloves and Cap: Put on a black cap and latex gloves to avoid leaving identifiable traces. Purpose: Adds realism and introduces an element of attentional focus on the action. Obtain Key: Retrieve a key from the lecturer’s jacket. Purpose: Creates an object-based memory target for later recognition tests. Use the key to unlock the office door. Purpose: Adds procedural memory steps for participants to encode. Access Laptop: Open the lecturer’s laptop, engaging participants in multi-step actions. Purpose: Introduces device-related details that could be later probed in CIT questions. Log into Gmail Account: Use a password hidden in a folder marked with the lecturer’s photograph. Purpose: Creates a visual cue (photo) and cognitive load (password) for memory encoding. Locate and Transcribe Exam Questions: Copy the examination questions from the laptop. Purpose: Generates crime-relevant knowledge that is critical for the Concealed Information Test (CIT). Deposit Written Copy in Bag: Place the written copy in a black bag at a predetermined location. Purpose: Completes the crime task and provides another spatial/memory cue. The innocent group had no exposure to crime-related information. Following this, all participants underwent both a traditional polygraph examination and an eye-tracking assessment using the same set of relevant and neutral stimuli to allow direct comparison of detection accuracy. Eye-tracking data were recorded using a Tobii Pro Fusion desktop eye tracker while participants viewed stimuli on a 27-inch full HD monitor. Each trial presented four stimuli (one critical, three neutral) for 7.5 seconds, repeated three times with randomized positions to control for location effects. Participants’ gaze patterns were tracked to capture metrics such as fixation duration, saccades, and attentional allocation. The dataset also includes experimental metadata, such as participant group assignment, trial number, question type, and stimulus name. All procedures were approved by the Ethics Committee of AGH University of Krakow, and participants provided written informed consent. The dataset is structured to support research on concealed knowledge detection, gaze behavior analysis, and comparison of psychophysiological and eye-tracking methods in forensic applications.