polygraphing
Measuring physiological responses
Polygraphing is the practice of administering lie detector tests.
A polygraph measures physiological responses—heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, skin conductivity—while a subject answers questions, on the theory that deception produces detectable stress.
The agency requires polygraphing all applicants for sensitive positions.
The scientific validity of polygraphing remains disputed.
Stating known falsehoods
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
- dishonestyDisposition toward falsehood
- untruthfulNot speaking facts
- fabricationDeliberately untrue statement
deceit · countermeasures · beating · evasion · false positive · false negative · inconclusive · guilty
Seeking answers through inquiry
- examinationMethodical assessment or review
- interviewFormal questioning session
- grillingCooking on metal grates
- cross-examinationOpposing party questions witness
suspect · confession · admission · testimony · sworn · statement · deposition · inquiry
Consistent, predictable performance
- validityQuality of being sound
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- credibilityQuality inspiring trust
- scientificOf or using research methods
controversial · admissibility · evidence · pseudoscience · debunked · disputed · inconclusive · error rate
State of anxious unease
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
- uneaseMild persistent worry
- sweatingMoisture through pores
jitters · tension · fear · worry · edginess · discomfort · agitation · restlessness
Devices that detect input
- electrodesElectrical contact points
- cuffsSleeve or wrist bands
- galvanometerMeasures electrical flow strength
- cardioPulse-elevating exercise regimen
respiration · blood pressure · pulse · sweat · heart rate · breathing · arousal · autonomic
lying
Stating known falsehoods
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
- dishonestyDisposition toward falsehood
- untruthfulNot speaking facts
fabrication · deceit · countermeasures · beating · evasion · false positive · false negative · inconclusive · guilty · innocent
questioning
Seeking answers through inquiry
- examinationMethodical assessment or review
- interviewFormal questioning session
- grillingCooking on metal grates
cross-examination · suspect · confession · admission · testimony · sworn · statement · deposition · inquiry · probe
reliability
Consistent, predictable performance
- validityQuality of being sound
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- credibilityQuality inspiring trust
scientific · controversial · admissibility · evidence · pseudoscience · debunked · disputed · inconclusive · error rate · false positive
nervousness
State of anxious unease
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- apprehensionNervous anticipation of trouble
- uneaseMild persistent worry
sweating · jitters · tension · fear · worry · edginess · discomfort · agitation · restlessness · anticipation
sensors
Devices that detect input
- electrodesElectrical contact points
- cuffsSleeve or wrist bands
- galvanometerMeasures electrical flow strength
cardio · respiration · blood pressure · pulse · sweat · heart rate · breathing · arousal · autonomic · nervous system
polygraphingconfessing
Admitting to a fault
self-reporting · taking at face value · believing · confession · admitting
polygraphingtrusting
Inclined to believe others
believing · taking on faith · crediting · blind faith · credulity