Identify and describe the two general categories of reasons for why people are deceptive. Then, identify the five specific reasons for deception and give an example for each.

What will be an ideal response?

- People can be deceptive for a variety of reasons, but the reasons can be divided into two general categories:
1. Altruism: deception to protect and avoid hurting someone.
2. Self-serving: deception motivated by personal gain or to avoid undesirable consequences.
- In addition to distinguishing lies as altruistic or self-serving, people are deceptive for five specific reasons:
1. To gain tangible or intangible resources
* I might lie about how little money I have to get a better deal on a car.
2. To avoid harm or loss of resources
* I might lie about being terribly afraid of heights to avoid climbing a ladder that doesn't look safe to me.
3. To protect one's self-image/save face
* I might come up with a lie each time I'm late to a meeting because I don't want others to view me as irresponsible.
4. For entertainment
* I might lie to my friend, Eduardo, by telling him that there is a bug on his shoulder because his startled reaction always makes me laugh.
5. To protect another person's resources, self-image/face, or safety.
* I might lie to my friend by saying that like her outfit because I don't want to hurt her feelings.