{"id":2479,"date":"2022-11-06T10:48:09","date_gmt":"2022-11-06T18:48:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/truthorlie.com\/?p=2479"},"modified":"2022-11-30T06:46:02","modified_gmt":"2022-11-30T14:46:02","slug":"polygraph-advantages-and-disadvantages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/truthorlie.com\/polygraph-advantages-and-disadvantages\/","title":{"rendered":"Polygraph: 11 Advantages and 11 Disadvantages"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
It’s not just on TV shows and in movies with a forensics crime drama theme where a polygraph test is performed \u2014 it’s also being conducted by real-life law enforcers and crime investigators constantly. As a matter of fact, some private companies and government agencies use a lie detector test, too, in screening applicants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What’s really nice about a polygraph is that it can help in uncovering the truth when there’s an unsolved crime or in finding the best possible candidate when there’s a job vacancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, it’s kind of far from being the perfect investigative or employment screening companion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, I will talk about both the advantages and disadvantages of a polygraph examination. Knowing what they are can help you prepare so much better for a life-changing lie detector test or a promising career in polygraphy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on who you ask, a polygraph test is a highly accurate truth-telling technique. Proponents say that its accuracy rate is anywhere between 80% and 90%. As a matter of fact, based on some field studies on the reliability and validity of a lie detector exam, it is estimated to be 95% accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most critics, on the other hand, say that the accuracy rate of a polygraph test is only about 70%. On the other hand, a former polygraph examiner<\/a> sets the accuracy of the test at 50% at most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Polygraph exams, despite this, are still widely used in the US and other countries for a variety of purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As of this writing, the American Polygraph Association (APA), which is said to be the leading professional polygraph organization in the US and all over the planet, too, has over 2,800<\/a> experienced polygraph examiners. So, in other words, there are numerous lie detector experts available for companies and private individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Computerized polygraph instruments are the ones used by the vast majority of polygraphers in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the perks of using a computerized machine include ability to conduct more exams and clearer results generated. It’s also less intimidating for examinees as there are no moving parts such as in an analog version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to basic economic theory, lower prices result from several different firms competing for the same customers. And due to the fact that there are lots of individuals who conduct lie detector examinations in the US, it’s not that difficult to come across polygraphers with very reasonable asking prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These days, a polygraph exam can cost as low as $200. However, it can also be as high as $2,000. It will all depend on factors such as the purpose of the lie detector test, location of the testing center and experience of the examiner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take your time when choosing a polygraph expert in your area to have the most reliable test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s true that a polygraph machine comes integrated with an assortment of medical and diagnostic sensors. Some of them include a blood pressure cuff, galvanometers and pneumatic tubes. They are integral components of a lie detector test because they are the ones that enable the instrument to record physiologic processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite playing critical roles, these sensors are easy to attach to and remove from the examinee’s body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are no needles and probes \u2014 a polygraph test is a non-invasive and painless procedure. The only thing you will feel is the blood pressure cuff, which is inflated to about 200 mmHg during the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the things that can make undergoing a lie detector test scary for some individuals is that they don’t know how the machine used can detect truthfulness or deception. Does it have psychic powers? Does it possess instinctual consciousness? Does it have a camera that judges an individual based on his or her looks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before the actual question and answer portion of the polygraph, or the pre-test phase, the examiner will introduce the subject to the test itself as well as the instrument used \u2014 what its various sensors are, how it works, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a matter of fact, the pre-test phase will consume most of your time at the testing center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There’s what’s called the Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) in the US. Simply put, it prohibits most private employers from using lie detector tests, such as for pre-employment screening purposes. But the EPPA does not cover some private companies and all federal, state and local government agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, in other words, chances are that you will be subjected to a polygraph examination if you are applying for a job that involves things like loads of money, prescription drugs, controlled substances, and health and safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using a lie detector test as a part of the pre-employment screening allows some private companies and government agencies to hire only the most reputable and reliable candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A polygraph test suitable for utilization in criminal investigations was invented in 1921 by John Augustus Larson, who was both a police officer of the Berkeley Police Department in Berkeley, California and a medical student at the University of California. But a more primitive form of it came into being earlier in 1915.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Such is credited to Dr. William Moulton Marston, who was an American lawyer and a psychologist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In any case, since the lie detector test showed up, it’s considered the most famous among numerous techniques that have been used for detecting deception, especially in law enforcement and intelligence communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of forensics crime drama TV shows and movies, a polygraph test is associated by many with criminal investigations. Not a lot of people are aware of the fact that a lie detector test has many other applications, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As earlier mentioned, some private companies and federal, state and local government agencies use polygraph testing for pre-employment<\/a> screening purposes in order to be able to hire only the most suited for the job. A lie detector exam is also sought by some couples when one is accused of cheating and infidelity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parties can be more fun and exciting with a home lie detector testing kit designed for entertainment purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Accessible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Low cost due to competition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Simple and painless<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Easy to understand how it works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Better assessment of job candidates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Have been around for 100 years<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Versatile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Narrow down search for criminals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n