Location Search with Response Time Concealed Information Test

The Response Time Concealed Information Test (RT-CIT) detects the recognition of a concealed item (probe) among controls through slower responses to the probe. A key use is geographic search, for example, in our case, detecting a crime-relevant suburb. In Study 1, we compared text versus image stimuli; text yielded superior detection. We also compared a general-population sample with formerly incarcerated individuals and observed no significant differences. Study 2 implemented hierarchical testing to further narrow locations: identify the suburb, then the street within that suburb. Participants saw 10 suburbs and, per suburb, 10 streets (hence 100 total possibilities). The correct suburb was detected in 28.4% of cases, and the correct suburb–street pair in 9.8%. We further compared general-population, formerly incarcerated, and prior crime-victim samples. We again found no group differences. Overall, results support the RT-CIT’s feasibility for practical location search and suggest text-based materials and hierarchical testing as promising approach.