How Accurate Is a Lie Detector Test?
Thursday 24th November 2022
EM
We all want to believe that the steps we take in life and the decisions we make are for the better. We want to put our faith in others to help guide us through the bad times and help us reach a happier existence. So, how can a lie detector test company help us all with that?
The question on most people's minds when they look at putting their faith in polygraph services to determine the future of their relationship, be that work or in their personal life, is how accurate is a lie detector test? To evaluate this, we need to initially look at the basics to understand how this potentially life-changing leap of faith may work.
What is a lie detector test and how does I work?
A polygraph test, or lie detector test, as it is more commonly referred to, simply speaking, is a measurement of a person's bodily responses when they lie or when they are being honest. The equipment and more importantly, a qualified and well-trained examiner will evaluate breathing, perspiration and blood pressure. An experienced examiner may also assess a client's body language to be able to forge an additional opinion based on this, outside of the polygraph machines capabilities.
After researching deception for many years and becoming an expert in the forensic psychology field, Dr Sophie van der Zee stated, "The polygraph, like any other lie detection technique, measures an indirect effect of lying,"
"There's no human equivalent of Pinocchio's nose," she says. "But lying can increase stress... and with lie detection techniques you can measure the behavioural and physiological changes that occur when you feel stress."
When we read into these statements, it's clear that lie detector tests do not indicate lying or deception unequivocally, but more importantly, that someone is attempting to deceive their interviewer. This is where the importance of your chosen examiners experience and training comes into play.
Do your homework
The bottom line when asking the question "how accurate is a lie detector test?" Is to do your homework. As previously mentioned, a polygraph machine is a complicated piece of equipment and should only be utilised by a fully qualified polygraph examiner. All examiners should be registered with the American Polygraph Association (APA) and unlike the computerised Eye Detect Test, they undergo ongoing training to ensure they keep up with changes to the procedures they carry out. It is vital in our ever-changing world that you choose the company with the most experience and the best examiner you can find.
So, what are the numbers?
In summary, the accuracy of a lie detector test is approximately 90-95%. This figure is attained by 50 years of scientific studies by doctors and experts in the field of psychology and psychophysiology.
Dr David C. Raskin, the world-renowned expert and leading scientist in the field of polygraphy, quoted that the scientific data concerning the validity of the polygraph can be concluded as follows:
"High quality scientific research from the laboratory and the field converge on the conclusion that a properly conducted CQT (Comparison Question Test) is a highly accurate discriminator of truth tellers and deceivers. The research results converge on an accuracy estimate that exceeds 90 percent."
How can we help you?
At Lie Detector Services LTD, we are able to provide you with a team of associates that collectively have over 60 years of experience in the lie detection field. therefore, when booking with us you can be confident, we have the right examiner for you.
Our owner and examiner trained at the Maryland Institute for Criminal Justice in the United States of America. Registered with the American Polygraph Association (APA, Buks van den Berg also served as the secretary of the Polygraph Association South Africa (PASA). In his 28-year career as an examiner, he has carried out in excess of 3000 polygraph examinations and also has memberships with the South African Polygraph Federation (SAPFED), The British Polygraph Association (BPA) and the International Association of Polygraph Examiners (ISOPE).
If you would like more information about how accurate a lie detector test is, or to see if we can help you with an issue, please contact our dedicated Customer Support Team on 0800 774 7268 or visit us online. We will be happy to walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
