Discuss the Scientific Validity of the Polygraph

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Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Main points:
• Most studies assessing the validity of the polygraph in terms of its lie-detection ability are controlled (lab) studies using mock crimes.
• The stakes are much lower in lab studies, the lies are much simpler, and the "suspects" have little exposure to training in countermeasures that real suspects might be motivated to obtain.
• This makes it very difficult to generalize the results reasonably to actual criminal cases and makes it likely that the accuracy of polygraph as assessed in lab studies is somewhat inflated. Even then, the rates of accuracy do not even approach 80%.

Discuss the Scientific Validity of the Polygraph

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