There are many ways to beat a lie detector test, but most of them aren’t very effective. Biting your tongue or putting a tack in your shoe won’t affect blood pressure or perspiration levels. The best way to pass the test is to be completely zen throughout the entire process.
Physiological responses to questions
The theory behind polygraphs is that a person making an attempt to deceive causes physiological changes in his body. These changes are measured by sensors on the arms, fingers and other parts of the body. These sensors measure heart rate, sweating and galvanic skin resistance. These responses are involuntary and cannot be controlled. They are caused by the autonomic nervous system, which is divided into two divisions. The parasympathetic division dominates in relaxed situations and performs routine “housekeeping” functions such as digestion and maintenance of body temperature.
The examiner asks a series of relevant and comparison questions, which are based on crimes similar to the one under investigation (e.g., ‘Have you ever stolen something valuable without the owner’s permission?’). If the subject answers ‘no’ to all relevant questions, the test is considered successful. A ‘yes’ answer indicates that the subject is attempting to deceive. The examiner then interprets the results.
Detection of physiological changes
A lie detector test, or polygraph, measures changes in a person’s blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. It is based on the theory that liars have a different physiological response than truthful people. This information is recorded on specialized equipment. It is then analyzed by a certified polygraph examiner.
A polygraph uses a blood pressure cuff, two pneumograph tubes (to record breathing), and electrodes on the fingers to measure skin conductivity. It is not foolproof, however. For example, yogic techniques and biofeedback training can alter the results.
During a polygraph test, the examiner asks relevant questions about a crime and then asks control questions that are not related to the question at hand. The purpose of the controls is to determine a baseline for your responses. The examiner will then compare your reactions to the relevant and control questions to decide whether or not you are lying. He will also provide a reason for his decision. I recommend this website for more Lie Detector Test.
Interpretation of physiological changes
Physiological changes can be detected by the polygraph machine and interpreted as signs of deception. These changes include an increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, and a sweating response (galvanic skin resistance). These symptoms are commonly associated with the fight or flight stress response, which is triggered by the sympathetic nervous system when people feel under threat.
During the test, the examiner asks relevant questions and control questions unrelated to the crime in question. The examiner compares the subject’s physiological responses to the relevant and control questions to determine whether or not they are lying.
The theory behind lie detector tests is that a person’s conscious effort to deceive causes changes in the autonomic nervous system, which regulates bodily functions and is typically involuntary. However, basic research on the nature of deception has been unable to separate placebo-like effects from actual links between lies and the physiological signals measured by polygraph machines. Thus, there is a high risk of error in the interpretation of the results.
Detection of emotional changes
Despite its ubiquity in popular culture, the polygraph has long been criticized for being unreliable. In fact, most psychologists agree that there is no proof that it can detect lying at all. Rather, it simply measures autonomic responses and interprets them.
The theory behind the test is that people who lie exhibit a different emotional state than those who tell the truth. This is because liars are worried about getting caught in a lie and so they activate their sympathetic nervous system, which causes them to experience physiological changes like heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and perspiration.
While these changes can be attributed to deception, they may also be caused by stress, alcohol withdrawal, anxiety, PTSD or psychosis. Additionally, certain medical conditions can skew the results of a lie detector test, including epilepsy, nerve damage and heart disease. Those with these conditions should not take the test. Likewise, pregnant women should not participate in the test.
