How does a polygraph examiner determine whether a suspect's responses are deceptive?

How does a polygraph examiner determine whether a suspect's responses are deceptive?

• A. By analyzing external factors
• B. By comparing the baseline data with new data
• C. By asking the suspect to retake the test
• D. By assessing the suspect's physical demeanor

Answer: (B)

A polygraph examiner determines whether a suspect's responses are deceptive primarily by comparing baseline data with new data obtained during the test. This process involves establishing a baseline of physiological responses based on neutral or innocuous questions before moving on to more relevant or potentially incriminating questions. The examiner measures physiological indicators such as heart rate, breathing patterns, and galvanic skin response while the suspect answers questions. By comparing the physiological responses from these two sets of questions, the examiner can assess any notable changes in the suspect's responses that may indicate deception. A significant deviation in physiological responses to relevant questions, when contrasted with baseline responses, leads to the conclusion regarding the truthfulness or deception of the suspect's answers. This method is fundamental to the functioning of polygraphs, as it relies on the assumption that deceptive answers typically trigger distinct physiological reactions compared to truthful ones.

A polygraph examiner determines whether a suspect's responses are deceptive primarily by comparing baseline data with new data obtained during the test. This process involves establishing a baseline of physiological responses based on neutral or innocuous questions before moving on to more relevant or potentially incriminating questions. The examiner measures physiological indicators such as heart rate, breathing patterns, and galvanic skin response while the suspect answers questions. By comparing the physiological responses from these two sets of questions, the examiner can assess any notable changes in the suspect's responses that may indicate deception. A significant deviation in physiological responses to relevant questions, when contrasted with baseline responses, leads to the conclusion regarding the truthfulness or deception of the suspect's answers.

This method is fundamental to the functioning of polygraphs, as it relies on the assumption that deceptive answers typically trigger distinct physiological reactions compared to truthful ones.