Most people’s knowledge of lie detectors comes from what they’ve seen portrayed about them in movies and television shows. Someone gets hooked up to a machine that tracks their heart rate and pulse to determine whether they are lying after being asked a question. It seems simple enough, right?
Well, there are still plenty of myths and misconceptions about polygraphs floating around out there regarding their accuracy. Before you or someone you know takes a lie detector test, you should understand their level of accuracy.
Let’s discuss the top five myths about polygraphs versus the facts about them.
1) Polygraph Tests are 100% Accurate
Many people believe the myth that polygraph tests are 100% accurate. However, please remember that these tests only track a person’s physiological responses when answering questions, such as respiration levels, blood pressure, and heart rate. While excessive physiological responses might indicate lying in some individuals, others might give these responses simply from nervousness. That doesn’t always mean they are lying.
2) Courts Accept Polygraph Testing Results as Admissible Evidence
Most courts in Oklahoma and throughout the United States don’t accept polygraph tests as admissible evidence to prove a case. Some jurisdictions have minimal exceptions under special circumstances, but the overwhelming number of courts and jurisdictions won’t allow polygraph test results to be used as evidence. The reason is that polygraph tests are not 100% reliable due to the potential of giving false results.
3) Polygraph Tests are Easy to Deceive
A common misconception is that polygraph tests are beatable and easily deceived. The truth is that only a highly skilled person who has practiced taking polygraph testing can learn how to control their physiological responses to trick the polygraph machine. Most people don’t have the skill or dedication to pull off such a thing. That is why polygraphs are reliable in most cases.
4) Polygraph Tests Determine Guilt and Innocence
Some people believe polygraph testing results are conclusive evidence as to whether someone is guilty or innocent of something, such as infidelity or a crime. While polygraph testing will get you closer to the truth, it should never be considered conclusive evidence of guilt or innocence. It is only meant to point you in the right direction during an investigation into the matter. You should still actively look for additional evidence to support or deny your suspicion of a person’s guilt or innocence.
5) Polygraph Examiners Will Try to Trick You
Even honest people become afraid to take polygraph tests because they believe the examiners are “out to get them.” Don’t believe this myth that polygraph examiners use interrogation tactics to coerce you into making a false confession. The truth is that polygraph examiners are unbiased professionals who ask questions in a calm and neutral tone. They will not try to intimidate you at all.
Request a Polygraph Examination
The good news is that polygraph testing technology is constantly being improved to increase accuracy and prevent deception. Would you like to know more about the validity of a lie detector test in Oklahoma?
Contact Truth Verification Polygraph services at (405) 517-2974 or email david@truthpolygraph.com for more information.
