Analysis of Polygraph - Assignment Example

Analysis of PolygraphBasically, a polygraph measures and records physiological activities simultaneously through use of some conventional instruments. These instruments are mainly focused on measuring physiological activities such as respiratory activities, sweat gland activity, and cardiovascular activities among others. This implies that contrary to the belief of many, polygraphs do not use physiological activities associated with the voice. Nonetheless, the foundations of a polygraph test are based on the belief of varying physiological responses when an individual is lying and when telling the truth.

As such, polygraphs are used in law enforcement agencies, the legal community, and government agencies among other sectors to examine the truthfulness of certain information. However, amid the arguably high effectiveness of polygraph tests, there are some controversies over their credibility and general application such as in courts. Therefore, there is pressing need to critically evaluate and examine the overall workability of the polygraph test.Some of the concerns raised regarding use of a polygraph test are its credibility and consideration on ethics.

A polygraph test is a seemingly long and detailed process that at first involves a comprehensive discussion between the examiner and examinee regarding the overall examination. This is aimed at ensuring that the examinee fully comprehends the whole testing procedure including the test questions and any concerns that the examinee might have. This is then followed by administration and collection of polygraphs charts whose number varies depending on technique employed and intensity of the issue at hand.

Based on the collected polygraph charts, the examiner analyzes and gives a verdict on the truthfulness of the information provided. Additionally, the examinee is given a chance to explain some of the physiological responses experienced during the test. Based on this procedure, it is evident that a polygraph test is a considerably detailed and keen procedure thereby eliminating credibility concerns. Moreover, the fact that the pest is an interactive process that allows the examinee to validate the physiological responses manifested shows great transparency and can be considered to correspond to ethics.

This implies that a polygraph test is a reliable and appropriate tool for use in various settings including the courts. Nonetheless, it is important to note that polygraph tests may have some errors though minimal. However, the chances of errors are well provided for through inclusion of other mechanisms to evaluate the given data. For example, on top of carrying out a polygraph, verdicts are reached through consideration of other evidence channels such as investigations. Nevertheless, polygraph tests are considerably accurate with research studies showing confidence intervals of 83% to 95 % (American Polygraph Association).

This implies that polygraphs are highly reliable thereby justifying their extensive use in various sectors. Conclusively, a polygraph test entails a detailed examination of several physiological activities such as cardiovascular, respiratory, and sweat gland activities among others. The application of polygraphs is based on the belief that physiological response are different in deceptive and non-deceptive scenarios. As such, polygraphs are considerably credible resources in various sectors such as courts in the quest for justice through determination of truthfulness of information provided.

ReferencesAmerican Polygraph Association. (2010). Polygraph Validity Research. Retrieved from http://www.polygraph.org/section/resources/polygraph-validity-research.