A lie detector test, also known as a polygraph test, is a procedure used to determine whether a person is being truthful or deceptive in their responses to a series of questions. It measures physiological indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and skin conductivity while the person answers questions. The premise is that when someone tells a lie, they experience physiological changes that can be detected by the polygraph machine. However, the accuracy and reliability of lie detector tests have been subject to debate and criticism, and their results are typically not admissible as evidence in court in many jurisdictions. They are more commonly used in employment screening, criminal investigations, and other contexts where the results may inform decisions but are not legally binding.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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