The Polygraph Examination: Procedure, Analysis, and Controversy

The provided text offers a comprehensive overview of polygraph examinations, detailing their history, theoretical underpinnings, and procedural stages. It explains that while often called "lie detectors," these devices actually measure physiological arousal, such as changes in heart rate, breathing, and skin conductivity, which examiners interpret to infer deception. The document outlines the three main phases of an examination: the pre-test, focused on rapport-building and question formulation; the in-test, where sensors record responses to specific questions; and the post-test, involving data analysis and a potential interrogation. Critically, the text highlights the significant scientific debate surrounding polygraph accuracy, citing the National Academy of Sciences' conclusion that its scientific basis is weak and that it is susceptible to countermeasures, leading to its general inadmissibility in legal trials despite its widespread use as an investigative and interrogation tool.

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