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The answer to this question lies somewhere between "completely foolproof" and "worthless," depending on who you ask.
Polygraphs measure changes in respiration, heart rate, blood pressure and galvanic skin response (perspiration, basically) as the subject is asked a series of questions. The theory is that subjects will experience stress when trying to conceal information, and that the stress will be reflected in their physiological measurements.
Even the most outspoken proponents of the polygraph agree that the skill and integrity of the operator are critical to a reliable polygraph exam. Almost anyone can learn the mechanics of how to operate a polygraph, but the best polygraph examiners are also expert interrogators. They set the stage so that the subject is encouraged to believe that any attempt to lie will be discovered immediately, so there's no point in trying to beat the test. When subjects "confess" and recant a prior exculpatory statement, it's far more common for this to happen during a pre-exam or post-exam interview than during the test itself.
There are no consistent standards for polygraph operators. Some states have requirements for people seeking licenses as polygraph examiners, but a person who performs polygraph exams as an employee of a business or for a government agency may not require a license, so long as he doesn't ofter his services to the public at large. Since a subject is seldom privy to the credentials of the examiner, he takes the exam at his own peril.
There is another type of "lie detector," called a Computerized Voice Stress Analyzer or CVSA. These devices measure "microtremors" in the test subject's voice that are claimed to indicate deception. The time required to become certified as a CVSA operator is far less than the weeks of training for a polygraph course, and it is offered only to employees of organizations that have purchased CVSAs.
Scientific tests of the CVSA indicate that the device is no more reliable at detecting deception than the flip of a coin. Polygraph evaluations don't fare a lot better in these tests, but there is some documented science behind it.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoA lie detector is completely accurate! Its based on your bodies involuntary reaction to deception. A simple fidget, clench of a fist, holding ones breath or shaking of the foot is interpreted as with holding
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoThe accuracy of a polygraph test (also known as a lie detector test) has been contested almost since the introduction of the device. There has been no evidence found of it's effectiveness by the National Research Council, despite claims of 90% validity by polygraph advocates.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoNot accurate enough to be allowed to be presented in court as evidence. However - as an investigative tool, it is helpful in interrogation and conducting iinvestigations.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoPolygraph tests are not considered accurate enough for their results to be used in court as evidence.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoThey are 98% true but some people can bet it.
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What is the word polygraph in a sentence?
The polygraph test is not "proof-positive". The polygraph test is not completely unreliable.
Is there a test to see how many guys a girl has slept with?
Yes, a polygraph is better than 95% accurate with a skilled examiner:)
Is polygraph test are visible as evidence in court?
No, polygraph tests are not admissible in court. Court precedents have decided that the polygraph test is unreliable, and that the test could dishonestly persuade the jury's verdict. The polygraph test is only used for investigative, law enforcement needs.
How do you take an accurate polygraph test if you have panic disorder?
Your 'disorder' would have to be disclosed before the test was administered and you would probably have to present a valid medical diagnosis of your condition from a doctor. If the test is the pre-requisite to some particular employment for which a polygraph test was required, you MIGHT have to consider foregoing this particular type of employment, or employer.
How you use polygraph in a sentence?
Of course I'll submit to a polygraph test.
What is a polygraph test used to detect?
A polygraph is used to help detect if someone is lying.
What do you call a lie detector?
AHH a lie detector ANSWER by Engl1sh: A perfessional typically uses the term 'polygraph' test.
Can a polygamy test prove a persons innocence?
I think you mean a polygraph test. Polygamy is the practice of having more than one spouse. A polygraph test is a lie-detector test. It depends on the laws, in some places you can use a polygraph test as part of a legal trial and in other places you can't.
Is a polygraph test for employment legal?
yup.
Do lie detectors test true?
Yes and no. What polygraph machines do is monitor specific biological functions such as pulse and skin temperature. The polygraph operator asks a series of test questions with known answers to esatblish a baseline for the subject. When humans lie there are a few typical responses, such as an elevated pulse. The polygraph operator decides whether or not the subject has responded honestly or not based on the changes in the measured functions.
What is a sentence using the word polygraph?
Clara had to take a polygraph test on the latest game show 'Tell the truth'.
Will Oreo cookies help you pass a polygraph test?
No, Oreo cookies are unlikely to help you pass a polygraph test. A polygraph test, also known as a lie detector test, measures various physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration to determine whether someone is being truthful or not. Eating Oreos, or any other food, before or during a polygraph test is unlikely to have a significant impact on these physiological responses, and thus is unlikely to affect the test results. In fact, attempting to manipulate the results of a polygraph test is generally not recommended and can have serious legal and ethical consequences. It is best to be honest during a polygraph test and to follow the instructions of the examiner.
