Most people have heard about someone taking a polygraph test which is supposed to have one of three results. The examination indicates deception. The individual passes the test. The results of the exam may be deemed inconclusive. However, most individuals do not understand how the procedure works and in fact, how the results may be skewed. In the hands of a skilled examiner, there will be results, but they may have nothing to do with the commonly accepted interpretation of the validity of the equipment results.
When considering if a lie detector test is valid, you should first learn how it operates. The device technically operates by measuring blood pressure, pulse, respiration and skin conductivity. The person being tested is asked some "control" questions to which the answers are known. Then, there are the actual test questions, sometimes interspersed with control questions. The physiological measurements for each of the questions are compared. The public belief is that the measurements will increase if the person is lying.
When considering if a lie detector test is valid, you should first learn how it operates. The device technically operates by measuring blood pressure, pulse, respiration and skin conductivity. The person being tested is asked some "control" questions to which the answers are known. Then, there are the actual test questions, sometimes interspersed with control questions. The physiological measurements for each of the questions are compared. The public belief is that the measurements will increase if the person is lying.
Proponents of the exam state that deception can be flagged when there are significant changes in the measurements. When the variations are minor or non-existent the person is said to be truthful. The belief in this explanation is what makes the test effective.
In fact, the so-called lie detector is very effective, not in detecting falsehoods, but as an interrogation technique for examiners. In the hands of a law enforcement-biased examiner, the person taking the exam can be told anything about the results, which builds tension, stress and can lead to confessions of something that simply did not occur. Even if no confession occurs, the public can be told that the results of the testing process were inconclusive.
The person who is aware of the way the examination is actually structured can manipulate the results. The key is in understanding the role of the so-called control questions. Since they are the baseline to which all other responses are compared, escalating the baseline responses will make any other physiological responses less obvious. There are some relatively undetectable ways to slightly elevate the baseline.
A defense attorney will usually not allow his or her client to take a lie detector exam from a police examiner. The attorney knows that such tests are rarely unbiased and can result in false guilty readings from an innocent client. Some companies now require such tests as a condition of employment. If you need the job, be sure you understand how the exam works before undergoing the procedures.
The Supreme Court and other lower courts do not accept polygraphs as anything other than pseudoscience. Results cannot be entered into evidence. Studies cannot prove accuracy of the tests.
Learning the facts about a polygraph test is important, particularly if you are in a position where you may be urged to take one. It is best to discuss the matter with an attorney before agreeing to such an exam. More information about the test and its role in law enforcement can be found by searching the internet, printed materials and other
In fact, the so-called lie detector is very effective, not in detecting falsehoods, but as an interrogation technique for examiners. In the hands of a law enforcement-biased examiner, the person taking the exam can be told anything about the results, which builds tension, stress and can lead to confessions of something that simply did not occur. Even if no confession occurs, the public can be told that the results of the testing process were inconclusive.
The person who is aware of the way the examination is actually structured can manipulate the results. The key is in understanding the role of the so-called control questions. Since they are the baseline to which all other responses are compared, escalating the baseline responses will make any other physiological responses less obvious. There are some relatively undetectable ways to slightly elevate the baseline.
A defense attorney will usually not allow his or her client to take a lie detector exam from a police examiner. The attorney knows that such tests are rarely unbiased and can result in false guilty readings from an innocent client. Some companies now require such tests as a condition of employment. If you need the job, be sure you understand how the exam works before undergoing the procedures.
The Supreme Court and other lower courts do not accept polygraphs as anything other than pseudoscience. Results cannot be entered into evidence. Studies cannot prove accuracy of the tests.
Learning the facts about a polygraph test is important, particularly if you are in a position where you may be urged to take one. It is best to discuss the matter with an attorney before agreeing to such an exam. More information about the test and its role in law enforcement can be found by searching the internet, printed materials and other
The person who is aware of the way the examination is actually structured can manipulate the results. The key is in understanding the role of the so-called control questions. Since they are the baseline to which all other responses are compared, escalating the baseline responses will make any other physiological responses less obvious. There are some relatively undetectable ways to slightly elevate the baseline.
A defense attorney will usually not allow his or her client to take a lie detector exam from a police examiner. The attorney knows that such tests are rarely unbiased and can result in false guilty readings from an innocent client. Some companies now require such tests as a condition of employment. If you need the job, be sure you understand how the exam works before undergoing the procedures.
The Supreme Court and other lower courts do not accept polygraphs as anything other than pseudoscience. Results cannot be entered into evidence. Studies cannot prove accuracy of the tests.
Learning the facts about a polygraph test is important, particularly if you are in a position where you may be urged to take one. It is best to discuss the matter with an attorney before agreeing to such an exam. More information about the test and its role in law enforcement can be found by searching the internet, printed materials and other educational sources.
About the Author:
A defense attorney will usually not allow his or her client to take a lie detector exam from a police examiner. The attorney knows that such tests are rarely unbiased and can result in false guilty readings from an innocent client. Some companies now require such tests as a condition of employment. If you need the job, be sure you understand how the exam works before undergoing the procedures.
The Supreme Court and other lower courts do not accept polygraphs as anything other than pseudoscience. Results cannot be entered into evidence. Studies cannot prove accuracy of the tests.
Learning the facts about a polygraph test is important, particularly if you are in a position where you may be urged to take one. It is best to discuss the matter with an attorney before agreeing to such an exam. More information about the test and its role in law enforcement can be found by searching the internet, printed materials and other educational sources.
About the Author:
Want to know about lie detector tests and private investigator services in general? Speak with the experts at JC Flentz Investigations for lie detector examinations in the workplace and at home. Private investigators in your area are ready to help!