Frequently Asked Questions

The term "Lie Detector" is a term of convenience. It is not a scientifically accurate description of polygraph. Polygraph does not measure lies per se. No unique response occurs exclusively when people lie. Various emotions like anger, embarrassment, and fear can produce similar physiological responses, making an experienced examiner essential for accurate interpretation.

Polygraph measures physiological arousal through recordings including relative blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, electrodermal activity, blood volume and pulse while there is simultaneous monitoring for distortions caused by voluntary movement. Stimuli are presented through structured questions or photographs, and numerical scores are assigned to stable chart data and compared against published research cut scores to determine statistical probability of error.

We are about 95% sure that polygraph testing overall is about 90% accurate. Polygraph's standalone accuracy compares favorably to field sobriety tests. Research shows polygraph correctly predicted innocence 82% of the time in wrongful conviction cases later overturned by exoneration.

Admissibility varies by jurisdiction — some states ban it completely, others allow it by stipulation or without objection. It is admissible in New Mexico and federally in the 11th Circuit. In Maine, polygraph results are inadmissible in criminal trials but are considered during bail, sentencing, and sex offender probation proceedings.

Suitable candidates must possess adequate abstract thinking, insight into motivation, understanding of right and wrong, comprehension of truth and lies distinctions, ability to anticipate consequences, and consistent orientation to date, time, and location for independent functioning to reach examination appointments.