The Pros And Cons Of Lie Detection

One can lie to themselves, but one cannot lie to this machine. Deception detection has been used all over the world for centuries. The ability to detect deception in others has always been a critical tool in maintaining a civilized society. The polygraph was invented in 1921 and although technology has changed over the years, it remains one of the most reliable means of detecting deception. It is also one of the few methods of lie detection acceptable for use in criminal proceedings. This machine allows examiners to determine if the subject is attempting to be deceptive by collecting physiological data such as blood pressure, pulse and respiration. Over the years the polygraph has proven to be one of the most effective tools for detecting deception.

The reliability and effectiveness of polygraph has been debated for decades despite various evidences proving its dependability. Although the polygraph does not actually measure lies, it is still a useful tool for investigating crimes and capturing criminals. Instead the polygraph measures the physiological changes in a person's body in response to stress. Crime in this day and age makes it necessary for any and all useful tools that could be used for detecting and …show more content…
There are some who believe that because the polygraph occasionally produces false negatives or false positives it should not be considered reliable. According to the president of the American Polygraph Association (2010), Raymond Nelson, the test isn't perfect, but its accuracy rate is still above 80 percent. A polygraph test isn’t enough to convict a suspect, but it is enough to be used as evidence to help make a conviction. Although the polygraph does experience errors, that is a possibility for any test. There will be errors because the “perfect” test does not exist. Another argument against the reliability of the polygraph is that there are individuals who are capable