What is a Polygraph Test and How Does it Work?
Imagine sitting in a small room with a stranger who asks you a series of questions. With each one, they attach wires to your fingers, arms, and chest and a machine starts spitting out graphs and charts. This is what it’s like to take a polygraph test, also known as a lie detector test.
A polygraph test is a type of examination designed to determine whether a person is telling the truth or lying. It relies on the concept that when you lie, your body will involuntarily respond in certain ways that can be detected through various physiological changes such as sweating, heart rate, and breathing. Polygraph testing has become a popular investigative tool for both law enforcement and other professional areas; however, it remains controversial and disputed by some experts.
Types of Polygraphs
Polygraph tests come in many forms, although most of them are variations of the same design. There are several types of polygraphs used in various categories, and they use differing techniques to collect data from a person’s body.
Finger sensor polygraphs, for instance, measure finger sweating, which can be triggered by increased stress or stimulation through questioning. Electrocardiogram polygraphs measure heart rate and electric conduction through the chest. Pneumograph polygraphs measure breathing patterns. However, they all function to measure physiological responses in the same way.
How Polygraphs Work
The examiner administering the test begins by asking a series of questions to establish a baseline response, which is a non-controversial question with a truthful answer. This is essential in helping the examiner get an understanding of the person’s normal physiological responses.
Next, the examiner will ask a series of relevant questions. These are questions directly related to the subject of the investigation, and they are aimed at triggering the body's physiological response. For instance, if the inquiry relates to a robbery and the subject is the prime suspect, the examiner may ask them questions related to robbery, such as “Did you break into the store on May 4th, 2021, and steal money from the cash register?”.
During the test, the polygraph machine records the subject’s physiological responses to the relevant questions and compares them to the baseline responses. If the machine detects changes in the baseline, it suggests that the subject is lying.
Polygraph Exam Accuracy
Polygraph test accuracy has always been a topic of debate as some experts believe that the test is not reliable, while others believe it is useful in revealing the truth. Despite being a popular tool for law enforcement, the accuracy of the polygraph test on its own has been questioned.
An essential factor in assessing polygraph test accuracy is the qualifications of the examiner administering the test. A qualified examiner must have undergone the necessary training and certification to correctly understand and interpret the results of the test accurately.
The process behind polygraph administration alone requires a great deal of expertise. If done incorrectly, it can produce false positive or false-negative results. False-positive results are when the test suggests that a subject has lied when they have not, while false-negative results are when the test suggests that a subject has told the truth when they have not.
Although polygraphs are an investigative tool, they cannot stand on their own as evidence. Courts do not recognize polygraph test results as direct evidence. However, it is possible for a court to admit a test as corroborative evidence.
Applications of Polygraph Tests
Despite some doubts about the reliability of polygraph tests, the tool remains an integral investigative method in many jurisdictions. It has applications in many areas, including:
Criminal Investigations
Polygraph tests remain a valuable tool in criminal investigations, particularly when investigating crimes such as murder, rape, and theft. During polygraph exams, they reveal information that can help law enforcement to remove or implicate a suspect.
Employment Screening
Employers sometimes use polygraph tests during pre-employment screening to determine the suitability of prospective employees. Polygraph tests in the employment sector focus on identifying behavior or tendencies that can endanger the employer. In such cases, the applicant must consent to the examination.
Sexual Offender Treatment
Polygraph tests can also play a critical role in assessing and monitoring sexual offenders. The treatment providers use these tests to evaluate the possibility of an offender either reoffending or continuing with the prescribed treatment.
Conclusion
Polygraph tests are a useful investigative tool for some and a waste of time for others. While it may sometimes be an indicator of truth, polygraph results are not conclusive and should not be used in such a circumstance. Despite some challenges, polygraph testing is quite useful in numerous areas when done right with qualified examiners.
