The polygraph, often portrayed as a magic mind-reading machine, is still controversial among experts, who continue heated debates about its validity as a lie-detecting device. As the nation takes a fresh look at ways to enhance its security, can the polygraph be considered a useful tool? The Polygraph and Lie Detection puts the polygraph itself to the test, reviewing and analyzing data about its use in criminal investigation, employment screening, and counter-intelligence. The book looks at: The theory of how the polygraph works and evidence about how deceptivenessâ€"and other psychological conditionsâ€"affect the physiological responses that the polygraph measures. Empirical evidence on the performance of the polygraph and the success of subjects' countermeasures. The actual use of the polygraph in the arena of national security, including its role in deterring threats to security. The book addresses the difficulties of measuring polygraph accuracy, the usefulness of the technique for aiding interrogation and for deterrence, and includes potential alternativesâ€"such as voice-stress analysis and brain measurement techniques.

Provides an overview, chronology of events, glossary and annotated bibliography for forensic science and DNA evidence.

Prepare to have your conception of truth rocked to its very foundation. It is the year 2004. Violent crime is the number one political issue in America. Now, the Swift and Sure Anti-Crime Bill guarantees a previously convicted violent criminal one fair trial, one quick appeal, then immediate execution. To prevent abuse of the law, a machine must be built that detects lies with 100 percent accuracy. Once perfected, the Truth Machine will change the face of the world. Yet the race to finish the Truth Machine forces one man to commit a shocking act of treachery, burdening him with a dark secret that collides with everything he believes in. Now he must conceal the truth from his own creation . . . or face his execution. By turns optimistic and chilling--and always profound--The Truth Machine is nothing less than a history of the future, a spellbinding chronicle that resonates with insight, wisdom . . . and astounding possibility. "PROFOUND." --Associated Press

This work explores the application of psychological data and theories to controversial policy issues such as racial and gender inequality, violence and criminal justice. The book also asks whether psychology really has relevant expertise to contribute. First published in 1992. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

The author presents case histories of persons whose lives have been blighted by our uniquely American faith in the myth of the lie detector. Dr. Lykken also explains how to "beat" the machine, not only because it is unfair that spies and Mafia soldiers already know these techniques, but also because innocent persons have nearly a 50:50 chance of failing lie detector tests unless they use appropriate countermeasures. Many state courts in the U.S. still admit lie detector tests into evidence under certain conditions - a practice that ensures the conviction of more innocent people every year. Finally, Dr. Lykken reports on the results of recent surveys of informed scientific opinion about lie detection and presents another method of polygraphic interrogation that is designed to detect, not lies, but the presence of guilty knowledge. This method is scientifically credible and holds promise for future use in criminal investigation.