Regarding the establishment of normative behavior, which statement is true?

• A. They reveal deception directly
• B. They are unnecessary
• C. They should be avoided with guiltier subjects
• D. They help establish normative behavior at the start

Answer: (D)

Starting with normative behavior means building a baseline of how the person normally responds to questions in neutral situations. This baseline acts as a reference point you can compare against when more sensitive questions come up. By noting typical speech tempo, pauses, gestures, and comfort level under ordinary questioning, you can better detect deviations that may be related to stress or deception, rather than to general nervousness. This approach helps improve accuracy and reduces misinterpretation because you're interpreting changes relative to the person’s own pattern rather than against a generic standard. It isn’t about directly exposing deception on the spot; the baseline serves to illuminate when responses shift in meaningful ways. It’s also appropriate for guilty subjects—these deviations from their baseline can still provide useful clues, rather than being something to avoid. In short, establishing normative behavior at the start provides a valuable frame of reference for interpreting later responses.