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Paltering is the active use of selective truthful statements to mislead.[1][2][3][4]
The term as applied in psychology and mediation studies was developed by researchers at the John F. Kennedy School of Government in the late 2000s.[5][6][7] The first known use of palter to describe acting insincerely or deceitfully was in the 1580s.[8]
Paltering is considered both more serious and more common than a lie of omission (a passive failure to correct a wrong statement).[3] Paltering differs from a lie of omission in the following way, as described by Todd Rogers of the Kennedy School: When selling a used car with engine trouble, a lie of omission would be a silent failure to correct a buyer who said, "I presume the car is in excellent shape and the engine runs well", while paltering would involve deceiving the buyer with a statement such as "I drove it yesterday in 10-below temperatures and it drove well".[3]
People who palter often believe it is less unethical than outright lying.[9]
Paltering appears to be common in negotiations. More than half of 184 business executives surveyed in a study by the Kennedy School admitted that they had paltered. Among those who did, most told the researchers they paltered to get a better deal. But the practice is risky, because when it is caught, it causes conflict, reduces trust and undermines relationships.[9][2][1]
Politicians sometimes palter to dodge questions in a debate.[2]
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