Interesting.
I have never had trouble spotting psychopaths. I have a close relative who cannot recognize psychopaths.
Last night, I was talking to this relative about the “uncanny valley”—that area where fictional characters that are almost human in appearance and behavior are perceived as seriously creepy. The human-like robots fall into the uncanny valley. This relative had a hard time grasping the concept—maybe because she is blind to the uncanny valley? I am very sensitive to that valley, and I think that is why psychopaths stand out—they mimic emotional expressions, but do not truly feel them, so they are false.
Now, that would be an interesting study, to test how deeply people are affected by that uncanny valley, and how well they can spot a psychopath. I bet there is a connection.
Sociopath, psychopath or just plain old BS artist, easiest way to catch them is play stupid.
They all believe they are smarter than you and can outsmart you.
Sucker them in with the stupid act and probe their knowledge with “stupid” questions.
Most also have a “tell”.
One “tell” that is common is they start whispering even though you’re in private and no one else can hear them.