In life, controversial situations, conflicts, mistrust, and sometimes serious disputes inevitably arise. As a result, this leads not only to the deterioration of relationships, but also to financial losses or other consequences. Modern technologies allow you to quickly understand and get answers to questions. That is why polygraph testing is becoming increasingly popular. Today we will tell you how a lie detector works and how truthful its results are.
How the polygraph began
Since the polygraph appeared in the middle of the last century, it has not undergone many changes. However, if earlier the detector was considered one of the “gadgets” of the special services, today this technology has become more accessible and even commonplace. We can also talk about more advanced equipment that allows us to more accurately determine a person’s physiological reactions, and therefore, give more reliable results.
Speaking about the operation of the technology, it is worth noting the scientific validity of the method of revealing the truth. Polygraphology is one of the most modern sciences. Although attempts to create devices similar to the polygraph began much earlier than the main date of its appearance, such devices were mostly used clinically. The first studies on the relationship between increased pressure and lies began only at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, many have contributed to improving the future device, which was called the “polygraph”.
Today, much attention is paid to the digitalization of testing, the creation of questions and the use of specialized software for analyzing results.
Operating principle
The principle of the lie detector remains unchanged. Physiological reactions are read using equipment connected to a person. Basic reactions at rest, individual for each person, are recorded at the stage of neutral questions. Thanks to this, the expert will later be able to compare them with the changes recorded during the testing.
Under the influence of fear, stress and excess of emotions, reactions change. Let’s look at some examples:
- Heart rate: when you are worried or stressed, this indicator inevitably increases;
- Blood pressure: When a person experiences emotional stress, blood pressure readings may rise;
- Breathing: When you are nervous and tense in your body, your breathing often becomes irregular, uneven, or may become faster;
- Skin conductivity: in stressful situations, increased sweating is observed, which affects this indicator.
The polygraph test procedure takes place in several stages:
- Preparation. At this stage, it is important to determine the goals of the testing. Thanks to this, you can formulate the most appropriate questions that will help you find out the necessary information.
- Interview with the subject. A preliminary conversation is necessary to explain to the person the purpose of the testing, as well as the rules of conduct during the polygraph test.
- Connection and survey. After connecting the polygraph, several types of questions are asked. Some of them are neutral, others are control, relevant and, finally, comparative. All this allows you to get the most reliable results. On average, testing takes about 2 hours.
- Analysis of the results obtained. After receiving all the reactions, the polygraph expert begins meticulous work, comparing the results and drawing conclusions based on his knowledge and experience.
- Providing an opinion.
The polygraph has long been the norm for employee testing, during hiring, pre-trial investigations, and in many private situations where the problem of mistrust and suspicion arises.
Benefits of verification
The main advantages of the polygraph are high accuracy and impartiality. It is almost impossible to deceive the polygraph, because any attempts to control reactions, medication intake and other actions will be visible on the equipment and obvious to the expert conducting the testing. Thus, attempts to counteract the polygraph will be detected.
Also, when conducting testing, the polygraph examiner is only an observer, monitoring the course of the study. He does not act as a judge and does not determine the truth or falsity of statements based on his subjective judgments. All conclusions are made only on the basis of the body’s reactions.
Lie detector testing has other benefits:
- the possibility of identifying contradictions;
- prompt receipt of necessary information;
- high efficiency;
- the possibility of using polygraph results as evidence in court;
- objectivity of results.
In addition, the polygraph always involves some kind of pressure that makes people tell the truth or reveals their attempts to lie. Use polygraph Lvov can be used as a supplement to other methods of research and investigation, which significantly increases the chances of clarifying the circumstances of the situation and determining the truth.