Polygraph

A polygraph is an instrument that examines an individual’s physiological responses to questions from a researcher and analyses the results to indicate whether the individual is telling the truth or not when giving the answers. A polygraph, often known as a lie detector, is a device used by security forces to assess an individual’s physiological responses to specific questions. Despite its generic term, the polygraph does not identify lies, and most polygraph examiners will tell you that they look for deceptive reactions rather than lying.

Polygraphs are employed on the assumption that most individuals do not lie or mislead until they are anxious or frightened. This is based on the premise that most individuals either feel guilty about lying or are terrified of being discovered or getting into trouble if they do. Anxiety and anxiousness are caused by fear and guilt.

History and Invention of Polygraph

• In 1921, a California-based police officer and physiologist named John A. Larson designed the very first polygraph to record continuous variations in heart rate, pulse rate, and respiratory rate to assist in the identification of dishonesty.
• In 1923, when Marston tried to have the findings of a polygraph test entered as evidence, the polygraph made its first significant interaction with the court system.
• The first scientific review of the polygraph was undertaken in 1965, 41 years after the Frye test was established. The US Committee on Government Operations was prompted to analyse the relevant facts after a suggestion to utilise the polygraph to screen federal workers was made.
• An impactful critic of polygraph tests, David T. Lykken, argued that the apparent disconnect between the science and practice of the polygraph was primarily because few expert polygraphers have psychological training. Meanwhile, few psychologists are knowledgeable enough about the industry to oversee its practices.
• Leonard Keeler cooperated with Larson on the idea and later improved it by reducing the time it took to set up the gadget and using ink to record the results. In 1931, he was granted a patent for his modified version and was the first-ever granted for a polygraph.
• Changes in skin responsiveness, such as sweating, were included as a third area to be studied by Keeler in 1939. Keeler went on to found the Keeler Polygraph Institute, which specialises in polygraph testing. 

Polygraph Test

• A pre-test discussion, a chart gathering phase, and a test data processing phase are all part of a standard polygraph examination.
• During the pre-test, the polygraph inspector will fill out the necessary papers and speak with the interviewee about the test, answering questions he or she may have. During this phase, the examiner will go over the test questions with the examinee and familiarise him or her with the test process.
• The investigator will give and collect many polygraph charts throughout the chart collection phase. The series of questions and charts will differ depending on the number of topics and techniques used.
• Following that, the examiner will review the charts and provide an opinion on the examinee’s honesty.
• When it is appropriate, the examiner will provide the examinee with the opportunity to clarify physiological reactions regarding one or more of the test’s questions. 

Uses of Polygraph Test

Polygraph tests can be used to determine the validity and solve a case in a variety of situations:

• Employees with specific qualifications may be subjected to polygraph testing: Polygraph testing could be necessary for hiring if a business owner wants to employ the best people for the position. This will aid in determining the potential employee’s honesty and ensuring that the organisation hires a trustworthy individual. Pre-employment testing frequently includes questions aimed at determining a person’s educational status and previous work history. Polygraph findings may be used to screen out potential employees who do not meet the hiring company’s integrity criteria.

• For issues involving homeland security: Polygraphs are commonly used by the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Security Agency, and other federal agencies responsible for national security to uncover crimes and threats. 
• Investigations into commercial theft: Businesses concerned about employee theft and fraud may be able to use the polygraph to assess employee honesty and loyalty.
• Criminal Investigation: One of the most common uses of polygraph exams to detect lying are in criminal investigations. Polygraph tests are used in a variety of settings, including security agencies. Polygraph testing will aid security authorities in detecting suspected terrorists as well as other deviant people who may conceal their identity. Polygraph tests are beneficial not only in identifying criminals who may attempt to trick the legal system but they will also assist in bringing justice to countless innocent victims who have been convicted as a result of a court’s incorrect judgement. If polygraph tests are conducted on those convicted and imprisoned, it may be possible to identify those who have been wrongfully convicted and free them.

Conclusion

Polygraph tests can be used to determine whether or not someone is lying. Polygraph testing is based on the premise that the act of lying is reflected in physiological or neurological responses, as the human body reacts differently when attempting to conceal the truth or facts. Polygraph tests can be used in a variety of situations. Polygraph tests are used extensively in police investigations, national defence, employee recruitment, and employee theft. Polygraph tests are accessible in a variety of formats nowadays. The effectiveness of polygraph testing, on the other hand, will be determined by its ability to reduce subject misclassification. The results of such inquiries may also be inaccurate.