Polygraph+Tests

Aim- Noah Gabrielsen The purpose of polygraph tests, quite simply, is to use involuntary responses of the body to detect lies. The American Psychological Association does not believe that polygraphs provide reliable lie detection, but notes the supposed process. “ Early theorists believed that deception required effort and, thus, could be assessed by monitoring physiological changes” (The Truth About Lie Detectors). While the APA does not endorse the use of polygraphs for legitimate lie detecting, they remain somewhat functional. Polygraphs were banned from being used in court cases 1998. However, polygraph tests are still occasionally used by employers or to screen certain individuals in a multitude of scenarios. The Electronic Privacy Information Center goes more in depth, stating what exactly polygraphs are measuring. “The test measures physiological data from three or more systems of the human body-generally the respiratory, cardiovascular, and sweat gland systems” (Polygraph Testing). The scientific premise behind lie detectors is that lying causes a psychological stress that manifests itself through the stated forms. Some individuals claim that such tests can be supported by science, while just as many believe lie detectors to be unreliable. Regardless, the purpose of a polygraph is clear, and people will continue to pursue new ways to separate truth from lies as long as crime exists.

Works Cited “Polygraph Testing.” Electronic Privacy Information Center. Web. 6 Nov. 2013. “The Truth About Lie Detectors (AKA Polygraph Tests)”. American Psychological Association. 5 Aug. 2004. Web. 6 Nov. 2013.

Audience

Historical - Alex Peters Polygraphs have been a controversial topic for a while now. Its incapability of actually detecting lies is causing problems in the attempt to finding the criminal to a specific case. On the American Psychological Association it states that, "the accuracy of polygraph testing has long been controversial. An underlying problem is theoretical: There is no evidence that any pattern of physiological reactions is unique to deception. An honest person may be nervous when answering truthfully and a dishonest person may be non-anxious" ("The Truth About Lie"). Due to the false results that the polygraphs produce, it is not a very reliable instrument when determining the individual who actually committed the crime. If the person being tested is just nervous, the test makes it seem as if they are lying because the test only measures the "heart rate, respiration, and skin conductivity" ("The Truth About Lie"). That is why most states do not use this form of testing because of how unpredictable the instrument is. In the Chicago Tribune it states that, "Polygraphs have a tangled history in the court system. A 1998 U.S. Supreme Court decision noted that 'there is simply no consensus that polygraph evidence is reliable'. Some states outright bans while other all then with certain conditions" (Eldeib). Judicially, polygraphs are not supported when deciding on whether an individual is guilty or not. Due to polygraphs being so unreliable, they have become valueless in the court systems throughout history.

Works Cited Eldeib, Duaa. "Jury Still out on Polygraph's Reliability." Chicago Tribune [Chicago] 10 Mar. 2013: Print. "The Truth About Lie Detectors (aka Polygraph Tests)." American Psychological Association. 5 Aug. 2004. Web. 08 Nov. 2013.

Cultural- Noah Gabrielsen In today’s day and age the prominence of lie detectors has fallen. While polygraphs were once used as evidence in court cases, this is no longer the case. “ Courts, including the United States Supreme Court...have repeatedly rejected the use of polygraph evidence because of its inherent unreliability” (The Truth About Lie Detectors). Modern research and science have caused the lie detector to fall outside of any real practicality. While still occasionally used in law enforcement or private business, the polygraph has mostly become a pop icon representing all-knowing suspicion. However, lie detectors have little real power in most modern scenarios. The use of polygraph tests has even been limited in the private sector. Polygraph tests administered by an employer must be given meeting certain requirements, and even then, the employee can decline to take the test without any serious repercussions. “An employer cannot fire an employee for refusing to take a polygraph test” (Polygraph Testing). Ultimately, polygraph tests have become a thing of the past. They cannot be used in any serious professional or scientific scenario. As a result, all they now symbolize is a desire to seek the truth, even by illegitimate means.

Works Cited “Polygraph Testing.” Electronic Privacy Information Center. Web. 6 Nov. 2013. “The Truth About Lie Detectors (AKA Polygraph Tests)”. American Psychological Association. 5 Aug. 2004. Web. 6 Nov. 2013.