Polygraph Testing

[mike tesko]

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2012/07/21/freed-sex-beasts-should-be-made-to-take-lie-detector-tests-say-tories-86908-23910790/

Use of lie detector tests appears to only be reliable when the state wants to rely upon it, its like everything else which the state and its agencies regard as reliable, if it helps their case, or their position, its ok and reliable, but if it doesn't suit their purpose they can selectively say its unreliable and should not be used or considered...

[susan]

Morning Mike after reading the thread put up by nugnug it would appear that polygraph testing has some credence if it suits.  With regard to Jeremy had he failed the polygraph test so many would have said "Told you he was guilty" Jeremy can't win.

[Roch]

Guardian article: If sex offenders can be imprisoned on the basis of polygraph tests, why can't people clear their name with the same methods?

https://apps.facebook.com/theguardian/commentisfree/2012/jul/23/lie-detectors-inconsistency-evidence?post_gdp=true

JB is mentioned.

[OnceSaid]

I think that is a very valid question.

[nugnug]

i dont think they will be able to keep this contradiction going.

[Hector]

Brilliant post OnceSaid. Very interesting that the percentages are much higher that those on Wiki, which relies on what ever Tom, Dick or Harry writes on there. Wiki can be deemed to be flawed at times.

Jeremy Bamber volunteered to take the test in 2007:) To me, is a clear sign of him being not guilty otherwise, he would have refused the test and made up excuses for not taking it.   

I was interested in the part where it said that is can detect those trying to beat it.....

You are so wrong which I put down to your total lack of understanding of how the Wikipedia Project works.  All the information provided on Wikipedia is backed up by citations and is probably the best source of factual common knowledge information available in the world today.  It is not as you presume to state, a collection of unproven personal views put forward by any Tom, Dick and Harry.

A 1997 survey of 421 psychologists estimated the test's average validity at about 61%, a little better than chance. And University of Utah psychologists published a 1994 report that suggested biting your tongue, pressing your toes to the floor and counting backwards by 7's during control questions would screw up the accuracy of polygraphs.

Do we really wish to entrust our justice systems to such an epidemic of false science?

[lookout]

You are so wrong which I put down to your total lack of understanding of how the Wikipedia Project works.  All the information provided on Wikipedia is backed up by citations and is probably the best source of factual common knowledge information available in the world today.  It is not as you presume to state, a collection of unproven personal views put forward by any Tom, Dick and Harry.

A 1997 survey of 421 psychologists estimated the test's average validity at about 61%, a little better than chance. And University of Utah psychologists published a 1994 report that suggested biting your tongue, pressing your toes to the floor and counting backwards by 7's during control questions would screw up the accuracy of polygraphs.

Do we really wish to entrust our justice systems to such an epidemic of false science?

Hector,, it comes to something when people can't use their own " in-built " detecting skills at spotting criminals,,,rather than relying on a piece of machinery. After all,,this is what police are supposed to be trained for. It would seem that technology has taken over brain-power.

[Roch]

You are so wrong which I put down to your total lack of understanding of how the Wikipedia Project works.  All the information provided on Wikipedia is backed up by citations and is probably the best source of factual common knowledge information available in the world today.  It is not as you presume to state, a collection of unproven personal views put forward by any Tom, Dick and Harry.

A 1997 survey of 421 psychologists estimated the test's average validity at about 61%, a little better than chance. And University of Utah psychologists published a 1994 report that suggested biting your tongue, pressing your toes to the floor and counting backwards by 7's during control questions would screw up the accuracy of polygraphs.

Do we really wish to entrust our justice systems to such an epidemic of false science?

Hector, I would hastily say what you're going to say in the foyer (introductions etc)... because we are about to have a clear out of multi user-name Sammy / Marie 27 types on here.

[bob]

British Psychological Society's review of the state of polygraph testing (2004):

http://www.bps.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/polygraphic_deception_detection_-_a_review_of_the_current_scientific_status_and_fields_of_application.pdf

"Given that even in the most favourable circumstances polygraphic lie detection accuracy is not high, an
over-reliance on an imperfect procedure may lead to undue relaxation concerning the developing of:
(i) other methods of identifying or screening wrongdoers; and (ii) other ways of ensuring security and
preventing crime. The belief that people who ‘pass’ a polygraph test are, therefore, cleared of
suspicion is a false belief."

American Psychological Association's review of the state of polygraph testing (2004):

http://www.apa.org/research/action/polygraph.aspx

"Most psychologists agree that there is little evidence that polygraph tests can accurately detect lies."
...

"For now, although the idea of a lie detector may be comforting, the most practical advice is to remain skeptical about any conclusion wrung from a polygraph."

[susan]

Hi bob  how are you.  Are you trying to put me into a state of depression as I believe in polygraph testing and so does Jeremy Kyle hope none of the people who go on his show read your post

[Margot]

When Jeremy Kyle guests look so convincingly shocked they are actually reacting with real shock and not acting as we were all led to believe.

[Roch]

British Psychological Society's review of the state of polygraph testing (2004):

http://www.bps.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/polygraphic_deception_detection_-_a_review_of_the_current_scientific_status_and_fields_of_application.pdf

"Given that even in the most favourable circumstances polygraphic lie detection accuracy is not high, an
over-reliance on an imperfect procedure may lead to undue relaxation concerning the developing of:
(i) other methods of identifying or screening wrongdoers; and (ii) other ways of ensuring security and
preventing crime. The belief that people who ‘pass’ a polygraph test are, therefore, cleared of
suspicion is a false belief."

American Psychological Association's review of the state of polygraph testing (2004):

http://www.apa.org/research/action/polygraph.aspx

"Most psychologists agree that there is little evidence that polygraph tests can accurately detect lies."
...

"For now, although the idea of a lie detector may be comforting, the most practical advice is to remain skeptical about any conclusion wrung from a polygraph."

None of which is sufficient to deter a liar from being overly concerned about taking one.

[susan]

Hi Margot  back from church only 6 in the congregation two of them nodding off the other 4 singing their hearts out and all the Vicar could hear was me going hell for leather on the organ don't know why I bother.  The guests on the Jeremy Kyle show are shocked because they always think they can beat the lie detector and they can't don't take any notice of bob.

[Jane]

Hi Margot  back from church only 6 in the congregation two of them nodding off the other 4 singing their hearts out and all the Vicar could hear was me going hell for leather on the organ don't know why I bother.  The guests on the Jeremy Kyle show are shocked because they always think they can beat the lie detector and they can't don't take any notice of bob.

Susan, hi. IMHO, there is no instrument to better a good organ!!!!! One of my all time favouite pieces is the Saint Saens "big one," I think it's the number 5. Definitely music to make an entrance to, whether it's a wedding or a funeral!!!!!

[Margot]

Hope you told the Vicar about John Lamberton incase he targets any of the elderly in the congregation or even the collection pot.