Polygraph: The Use of Polygraphy in the Assessment and Treatment of Sex Off enders in the UK

Abstract

"A polygraph instrument collects physiological data from at least three systems within the human body. They generally include respiration, sweat gland activity, and blood pressure measurement. A typical polygraph examination will include a period referred to as a pre-test interview, a chart collection phase and a test data analysis phase. It works on the assumption that almost all people have a fear response associated with lying, particularly about matters of signifi cant personal importance to them. However, in fairness, this assumption is not subject to universal agreement and there is no consensus as to the underlying basis upon which the polygraph examination can be employed to such consistently positive eff ect (Wilcox, 2013). As such, lying is thought to produce a natural stress reaction (Wilcox, 2000) activating the autonomic nervous system, a part of the central nervous system that is largely outside of conscious, volitional control."(...)