Polygraph and Lie Detection

The polygraph, often portrayed as a magic mind-reading machine, is still controversial among experts, who continue heated debates about its validity as a lie-detecting device. As the nation takes a fresh look at ways to enhance its security, can the polygraph be considered a useful tool?The Polygraph and Lie Detection puts the polygraph itself to the test, reviewing and analyzing data about its use in criminal investigation, employment screening, and counter-intelligence.The book looks at:The theory of how the polygraph works and evidence about how deceptiveness—and other psychological conditions—affect the physiological responses that the polygraph measures.Empirical evidence on the performance of the polygraph and the success of subjects' countermeasures.The actual use of the polygraph in the arena of national security, including its role in deterring threats to security.The book addresses the difficulties of measuring polygraph accuracy, the usefulness of the technique for aiding interrogation and for deterrence, and includes potential alternatives—such as voice-stress analysis and brain measurement techniques.Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1 Lie Detection and the Polygraph2 Validity and Its Measurement3 The Scientific Basis for Polygraph Testing4 Evidence from Polygraph Research: Qualitative Assessment5 Evidence from Polygraph Research: Quantitative Assessment6 Alternative Techniques and Technologies7 Uses of Polygraph Tests8 Conclusions and RecommendationsReferencesAppendix A: Polygraph Questioning and TechniquesAppendix B: Use of Polygraph Screening in the U.S. Department of Energy and Other Federal AgenciesAppendix C: The Wen Ho Lee Case and the PolygraphAppendix D: Physiological Processes Measured by the PolygraphAppendix E: Historical Notes on the Modern PolygraphAppendix F: Computerized Scoring of Polygraph DataAppendix G: Process for Systematic Review of Polygraph Validation StudiesAppendix H: Quantitative Assessment of Polygraph Test AccuracyAppendix I: False Positive Index Values for Polygraph TestingAppendix J: Decision Analysis of Polygraph Security ScreeningAppendix K: Combining Information Sources in Medical Diagnosis and Security ScreeningAppendix L: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and StaffIndex