A polygraph is a device or process that measures and records several physiological indicators while a person is asked and responds to a series of questions. These indicators include blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity.
Although there are no specific physiological reactions linked to lying, it can be challenging to identify factors that distinguish those who are lying from those who are telling the truth.
This is due to the misconception that deceptive answers will result in physiological responses that can be distinguished from those associated with non-deceptive answers, which is the basis for using the polygraph.
The most common polygraph uses are:
- Sexual Harassment Accusations
- Sexual Abuse Accusations
- Rape Allegations
- False Accusations
- Criminal Behaviour Accusations
- Domestic Violence Complaints
- Criminal Negligence Accusations
- Statement Verification (Proof of truth)
- Witness Statement Verification.