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So very true. Polygraphs measure physical reactions that can be easily controlled, and misconstrued. Many people will react in such a way that could be read as
by Oompa 17y ago
So very true. Polygraphs measure physical reactions that can be easily controlled, and misconstrued. Many people will react in such a way that could be read as a lie by simply being shocked or embarrassed in the question asked. Not to mention being nervous can give many of the reactions too.
The results of polygraph testing aren't even admissible in many courts, and the National Academy of Sciences found that they're unreliable, unscientific, and biased.
Despite all this, so many people think they're still a bullet proof method of lie detection. I have heard of a many people who have had false positives on polygraph tests, and have had their life ruined because of it.
- blasdel 17y agoThere are only a few US government agencies that use polygraphs: the CIA, NSA, et. al. If you got a false positive you'd be a nervous ninny, and a false negative would mean that you're at least somewhat competent. For them, it's a win/win.
- rdtsc 17y agoThe worst part about the polygraph (besides the fact that it is pseudo-science, they migth as well be using voodoo dolls), is that it punishes those who are honest and rewards good liars. Over the years, they eventually they end up with a bunch of lying sociopaths.