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meow2u3

(25,250 posts)

8. Polygraphs are anxiety detectors, not lie detectors

Reply to DefenseLawyer (Reply #2)

Thu Dec 6, 2012, 01:45 PM

Dec 2012

The only thing polygraphs show is the degree of anxiety over the questions the polygraph administrator asks. They're useless for their traditional purpose, i.e., detecting liars.

Sociopaths can easily ace polygraphs and persons with anxiety disorders will no doubt flunk them, even when they're telling the truth.

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U.S. polygraphers questioned accuracy of tests on detainees overseas [View all] unhappycamper Dec 2012 OP

Polygraphy is pseudoscience. Even when done by an expert, tests are unreliable... slackmaster Dec 2012 #1

Polygraphs are a joke DefenseLawyer Dec 2012 #2

DefenseLawyer, is it true that polygraph tests are inadmissible in court as evidence in most states? slackmaster Dec 2012 #3

I seem to recall that New Mexico allows polygraph results in certain criminal cases DefenseLawyer Dec 2012 #10

True, of course. But you may have experienced that there are police officers who genuinely believe AnotherMcIntosh Dec 2012 #5

They certainly believe it is a great tool for interrogating people DefenseLawyer Dec 2012 #11

Polygraphs are anxiety detectors, not lie detectors meow2u3 Dec 2012 #8

Hey, they're as accurate as a shiny new dime! rock Dec 2012 #14

I question the accuracy of polygraph anywhere. hobbit709 Dec 2012 #4

There was a study done years ago that put its accuracy at 61% Xithras Dec 2012 #7

It is only in the rarest of circumstances that I have ever used one DefenseLawyer Dec 2012 #13

Finger printing is another very questionable "science". xtraxritical Dec 2012 #6

There was a theft at a workplace where I was employed. jonthebru Dec 2012 #9

Just remember Robert Hanssen. Archae Dec 2012 #12

Here's what Penn and Teller have to say... Puzzler Dec 2012 #15

k/r Solly Mack Dec 2012 #16