The Science of Lie Detection: History
The Science of Lie Detection: History
The Science of Lie Detection: History
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His basis in detecting deception is by measuring 2. Use of drugs that try to inhibit the inhibitor
the blood pressure and pulse rate. 3. Hypnotism
This is known as 4. By observation
HYDROSPHYGMOGRAPH 5. Scientific Interrogation
6. Confession
ANGELO MOSSO – he stated that FEAR influenced
the heart and could be use as a basis for detecting Recording the Psycho physiological Response:
deception. He uses sphygmanometer and scientific radio The nervous control of the human body includes
to study fear the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord)
DR. WILLIAM MARSTON – he conducted numerous and the autonomic or regulating nervous system
tests for detecting deception and utilizes the change in (sympathetic and parasympathetic). The central nervous
systolic pressure to determine deception. system primarily controls the motor and sensory
He also developed his own method of reading systolic functions that occur at or above the threshold. It maybe
blood pressure. voluntary.
Self proclaim father of polygraph
JOHN A. LARSON – the real “Father of lie detection”. The autonomic nervous system acts as a self-
The present polygraph machine is attributed to him. He regulating autonomic response of the body.
is the en who develop and study to record at the same The autonomic nervous system is composed of two
time the responses of the blood pressure, pulse rate and complimentary branches: the sympathetic and the
respiration parasympathetic nervous system, acting opposite each
GALVANOGRAPH COMPONENT other.
STICKER – he introduced the method of detecting
deception from the galvanic impression on the chart The fibers of both enervate all organs where
tracing. self-regulation is essential
VERGUTH – he used the word PSYCHOGALVANIC When a person is under the influence of physical
reflex. He believed that electrical phenomena are due to (exertion) or emotional (anger, excitement, fear, lie
the activity of sweat glands, and such activity is known detection, etc.) stimuli, the sympathetic will dominate
as “psychogalvanic”. and over-ride the parasympathetic, thus there will be a
changes in the heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure,
PNEUMOGRAPH COMPONENT respiratory tracing, psycho galvanic reflexes, time of
VITTORIO BENUSSI – he noted changes in inhalation response to question, voice tracing, etc.
ratio during indications of deceptions.
LEONARD KEELER The parasympathetic nervous system works to
he device a metal recording bellows; rolled chart paper. restore things to normal when the conditions of stress
In 1949, he incorporated Galvanograph with have been removed. It is the dominant branch when the
measurement of blood pressure and respiration into a condition is normal and the subject is calm, contented and
portable case. relaxed.
The recording of some of the psycho-physiological
The four Major components reaction of a subject when he is subjected to a series of
PNEUMOGRAPH questions, and the scientific interpretation by trained
CARDIOSPHYGMOGRAPH COMPONENT experts are the basis of the tests.
GALVANOGRAPH COMPONENT
KEYMOGRAPH COMPONENT
Word Association Test
Today, polygraph examiners use two types of
A list of stimulus and non-stimulus words are read to the
instrumentation:
subject who is instructed to answer as quickly as possible.
analog
The answer to the questions may be a “yes” or a “no”.
computerized
Unlike the lie detector , the time interval between the
In the United States, most examiners now use
words uttered by the examiner and the answer of the
computerized instrumentation.
subject is recorded.
The polygraph instrument has undergone a dramatic
When the subject is asked questions with reference to his
change in the last decade. For many years, polygraphs
name, address, civil status, nationality, ect. Which has no
were those instruments that you see in the movies with
relation to the subject-matter of the investigation, the
little needles scribbling lines on a single strip of scrolling
tendency is to answer quickly.
paper.
But when the questions bear some words which have to
These are called analog polygraphs. Today,
do with the criminal acts the subject allegedly committed,
most polygraph tests are administered with digital
like knife, gun, or hammer which was used in the killing,
equipment. The scrolling paper has been replaced with
the tendency is to delay the answer.
sophisticated algorithms and computer monitors.
The test is not concerned with the answer, be it a ‘yes” or
a “no”. The important factor is the time of response in
Modern scientific methods have been devised
relation to stimulus or non-stimulus words.
utilizing knowledge of physiology, psychology,
Like the use of the lie detector, the subject
pharmacology, toxicology, etc. in determining whether a
cannot be compelled to be subjected to the test without
subject is telling the truth or not. Although a scientific
his consent.
method of deception detection have not yet attain legal
recognition to have their results admissible as an
Psychological Stress Evaluator
evidence in court, they have been considered very useful
When a person speaks, there are audible voice
as aids in criminal investigation.
frequencies and superimposed on these are the inaudible
frequency modulations which are products of minute
Methods of deception detection
oscillation of the muscles of the voice mechanism. Such
1. Devices which record the psycho-physiological
response. oscillations of the muscles micro tremor occur at the rate
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of 8 to 14 cycles per second and controlled by the central
nervous system. INTOXICATION
When the person is under stress as when he is The apparent stimulation effect of alcohol is
lying, the micro tremor in the voice utterance in really the result of the control mechanism of the brain.
moderately or completely suppressed. The apparent stimulation effect of alcohol is really the
The degree of suppression caries inversely to result of the control mechanism of the brain, so alcohol,
the degree of psychologic stress in the speaker. like truth serum and narcoanalysis drugs “inhibit the
The psychological stress evaluator (PSE) inhibitor”.
detects, measures, and graphically displays the voice The ability of alcohol to reveal the real person
modulations that we cannot hear. behind the mask which all of us are said to wear (“mask
When a person is relaxed and responding of sanity’) is reflected in the age-old maxim, IN VINO
honestly to the questions, those inaudible frequencies are VERITAS (“in wine there is truth”).
registered clearly on th instrument. But when a person is The person whose statement is to be taken is
under stress, as when he is lying, these frequencies tend allowed to take alcoholic beverages to almost
to disappear. intoxication.
Confessions made by the subjects while under
Procedure: the influence of alcohol may be admissible if he is
The examiner meets the requesting party to physically capable to recollect the facts that he has
determine the specific purpose of the examination and to uttered after the effects of alcohol have disappeared.
begin formulation of relevant questions. But in most intances, the subjects cannot recall
A pre-test interview is conducted with the everything that he had mentioned or he may refuse to
subject to help him or her feel at ease with the examiner,
to provide an opportunity to specify matters, to eliminate admit the truth of the statement given.
outside issues, and to review questions that will be asked. The knowledge of the truth is an essential
An oral test of about 12 to 15 “yes” or “no” requirement for the administration of criminal justice.
questions or given which is recorded on a tape recorder. The success or failure in making decisions may rest
The questions are a mixture of relevant and irrelevant solely on the ability to evaluate the truth or falsity of the
questions. statement given by the suspects or witness. The task for
Immediately following the test or at a later time, its determination initially lies on the hand of the
the tape is processed through the Psychological Stress investigator.
Evaluator for analysis of the answers.
If stress is indicated, the subject is given
opportunity to provide additional clarification. A retest is HYPNOSIS
given to verify correction and clarification. It is the alteration of consciousness and
concentration in which the subject manifests a
heightened of suggestibility while awareness is
Use of Drugs that “Inhibit the Inhibitor” maintained.
Administration of the TRUTH SERUM Not all persons are susceptible to hypnotic induction.
Narcoanalysis/Narcosysthesis Subjects who are compulsive-depressive type, strong-
Intoxication with Alcohol willed like lawyers, accountants, physicians and other
TRUTH SERUM professionals are usually non-hypnotizable.
The term “ truth serum” is a misnomer. The procedure REASONS: (why it is not admissible in court)
does not make someone tell the truth and the thing It lacks the general scientific acceptance of the reliability
administered is not serum but actually a drug. of hypnosis per se in ascertaining the truth from falsity.
In the test, HYOSCINE HYDROBROMIDE The fear that the Trier of fact will give uncritical
is given hypodermically in repeated doses until a state of and absolute reliability to a scientific device without
delirium is induced.
When the proper point is reached, the consideration of its flaw in ascertaining veracity.
questioning begins and the subject fells a compulsion to The possibility that the hypnotized subject will
answer the questions truthfully. deliberately fabricate.
He forgets his alibi which he may have built up to cover The prospect that the state of heightened suggestibility in
his guilt. He may give details of his acts or may even which the hypnotized subject is suspected will produce
implicate others. distortion of the fact rather than the truth.
The drug acts as depressant in the nervous The state of the mind, skill and professionalism of the
system. Clinical evidence indicates the various segments examiner are too subjective to permit admissibility of the
of the brain particularly the cortex. expert testimony.
Statements taken from the subjects while under
the influence of truth serum are evolutionary obtained
hence they are not admissible as evidence.
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Prolonged interrogation with constant CONTROL
accusation directed against the subjects may condition
him to react falsely to the test, or may result to a flat IRRELEVANT QUESTIONS
emotionless chart. These are questions which have no bearing to the
A person’s daily habit should not be upset more case under investigation.
than necessary. Long delay should be avoided. The question may refer to the subject’s age,
educational attainment, marital status, citizenship,
occupation, etc.
PHASES of EXAMINATION The examiner asks these types of questions to
PRE-TEST INTERVIEW ascertain the subject’s normal pattern of response
ACTUAL interrogation and recording through by eliminating the feeling of apprehension.
the instrument
RELEVANT QUESTIONS
POST-TEST INTERVIEW These are questions pertaining to the issue under
Initial Interview with the Investigator investigation. They must be unambiguous,
Test question are formulated by the polygraph unequivocal and understandable to the subject.
examiner based from information obtained from the They must be related to one issue or one criminal
investigator. General facts, theories and suspicions act.
It is equally important to limit the number of
are not enough basis for a polygraph test. Question relevant questions to avoid discomfort to the
formulation depends greatly upon detailed and subject.
accurate information regarding all the available
facts. Control Questions
The investigator on case should personally inform These are questions which are unrelated to the
the examiner of such facts as: matter under investigation but are of similar nature
Unpublicized facts of the offense known only to the although less serious as compared to those
victim, the investigator and the offender. relevant questions under investigation.
Specific articles or exact amounts of money stolen.
Exact time and place the offense occurred. Test Construction applied are of two main types.
Peculiar aspects of the offense or any strange or General Peak Tension Test
obscene acts committed at the scene. Peak of Tension Test
Known facts about a suspects action or movements
immediately preceding of after the incidents. General Peak Tension Test
Facts indicating a connection between suspects, The general question test consists of a series of
victims and witnesses, especially when they deny relevant and irrelevant questioned asked in a planned
any connection.
order.
Exact type of firearm, weapon or tool used.
Example:
Results of laboratory test if any.
1. Have you ever been called by the name Fred?
Background information particularly previous police
records or verifies facts which subjects denies. (Irrelevant)
2. Is today Friday? (Irrelevant)
PRE-TEST INTERVIEW Do you have anything to do with the robbery at
Goodwill Grocery last night? (relevant)
Before the actual testing is done, the examiner must
Did you robbed the Goodwill Grocery last night?
first make an informal interview of the subject (relevant)
which may last from 20 to 30 minutes. Are you over twenty years of age? (irrelevant)
To condition the subject psychologically for the Do you know is any of the fingerprints found at
test. goodwill Grocery is yours? (relevant)
The subject is appraised of his constitutional rights. Do you drink water? (Irrelevant)
A written consent which must be freely and Do you know of anyone involved in the robbery of
voluntary given is taken. Goodwill Grocery last night? (Relevant)
Purpose of the Pre-Test Interview
To determine whether the subject has any medical Peak of Tension Test
or psychiatric condition or has used drugs that will This valid test is only made when there is no
prevent the testing. widespread publicity about the crime.
To explain to the subject the purpose of the Example:
examination. 1. Do you know whether the stolen watch from Fred
is Boluva?
To develop the test questions, particularly those of
2. It is an Elgin?
the types to be asked.
3. Is it a Colorado?
To relieve the truthful subject of any apprehension
4. Is it a Rolex?
as well as to satisfy the deceptive subject as to the
POST-TEST INTERROGATION
efficiency of the technique.
To clarify the findings
To know any anti-social activity or criminal record
To learn if there are any other reasons for the
of the subject.
subject’s responding to a relevant question, other
than the knowledge of the crime.
Question Formulation
Questions formulated are short, simple and To obtain additional information and an admission
direct answerable by either ‘Yes” or “No” only, phrased for law enforcement purposes, if he results suggest
in the language easily understood by the subjects. deception.
The questions must be clear and must have
reference to only one element of an offense of fact. There are three basic approaches to the
Types of question polygraph test:
IRRELEVANT
RELEVANT The Control Question Test (CQT).
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The Directed Lie Test (DLT). Sneeze SZ
The Guilty Knowledge Test (GKT). BURP B
YAWN Y
Chart Marking
The Control Question Test (CQT)
This test compares the physiological response to Deep breathing DB
relevant questions about the crime with the response to Subject Laugh L
questions relating to possible prior misdeeds. "This test Breathing Instruction BI
is often used to determine whether certain criminal Repeat Question R
suspects should be prosecuted or classified as uninvolved Paper Jump PJ
in the crime" (American Psychological Association). Ending XX
Limitations
It is an invaluable investigation aid, but never a substitute
for investigation.
It is a lie detector, it is not a scientific diagnostic
instrument.
It does not determine facts, it records responses to
that which the subject knows to be true.
It is only as accurate as the examiner is competent.
The underlying theory of the polygraph is that
when people lie they also get measurably nervous
about lying. The heartbeat increases, blood
pressure goes up, breathing rhythms change,
perspiration increases, etc. A baseline for these
physiological characteristics is established by
asking the subject questions whose answers the
investigator knows. Deviation from the baseline
for truthfulness is taken as sign of lying.
Test Procedure
Not more than 12 questions
At least three (3) charts are taken, each lasting
not more than four (4) minutes,
5 to ten minutes between charts.
Chart Marking
Beginning X
Stimulus “
Yes +
No -
Subject fail to answer No sign
Subject Talk T
Talking Instruction TI
Coughing C
Chart Marking
Mechanical Adjustment Arrow
Tearing of throat CT
Outside Noise OSN
Sigh S
Sniff SN
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