APA Dictionary of Psychology

among nonhuman animals, a signal that provides misleading information about the size, quality, or intention of an individual. Dishonest signals include alarm calls that scare away other group members, with the result that the animal gains better access to food, and a misleading impression of great vigor that attracts mates. Some have argued that dishonest signals are more compatible with the competitive process of natural selection than are honest signals. See deception.