Earlier quoted context omitted.
Oh come on! You're going to drop a book reference but not cite the book?? That's just cruel.
Every Spy a Prince
Thanks!!
Why Lie Detector Tests Can’t Be Trusted
181–190 of 201 posts
Re: Why Lie Detector Tests Can’t Be Trusted
#182Earlier quoted context omitted.
Yes, exactly. Polygraphs are just a form of interrogation technique, disguised as "science". If the science was debunked, then the credibility of the machines would be questioned and the interrogation process would not yield as positive (if you can call it that) results. So the whole mystique of polygraphs must be guarded to keep up the facade of the lie detector's true capabilities.
I mean they have been debunked and anyone that Google's it knows it. Doesn't mean they don't work as an intimidation tactic. Though most of the agencies that use them are probably filtering out a lot of good employees by putting them through a test designed to mess with them. Instead of focusing on whether the person has the skills needed for the job.
For the NSA/CIA, I imagine there is still doubt, even if you've looked it up. "Does the NSA know something everyone else doesn't [about lie detecting]?" is not an easy question to answer.
Re: Why Lie Detector Tests Can’t Be Trusted
#183Earlier quoted context omitted.
Some questions will cause some people to panic regardless. "Have you ever had sexual thoughts about underage people? Yes or No."
Better to say No and fail the test than say Yes and show consistent polygraphs but still fail the clearance and position.
Raises the question is No the 'right' answer? 'Yes [when I was 15]' is an entirely reasonable, and I suspect common, truthful answer, so saying No might make you stand out more, even though the obvious 'right' answer is to say No.
Re: Why Lie Detector Tests Can’t Be Trusted
#184Earlier quoted context omitted.
Wait, it’s illegal to lie to federal LEOs?
It's illegal to lie to the Federal Government period: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001 More precisely, it's a violation of 18 USC 1001 to lie about "any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States" (with a couple of specific exceptions as given). Technically you don't even have to lie to a Federal official since the statute doe…
Keep in mind, however, that this is not reciprocal: The Federal government can lie to you with impunity.
Re: Why Lie Detector Tests Can’t Be Trusted
#185There's a lot of hyperbolic claims being made in the article and these comments which seem unsupported by science. The answer to the question, "can polygraphs be utilized to draw out truth?", is a resounding yes: >Notwithstanding the limitations of the quality of the empirical research and the limited ability to generalize to real-world settings, we conclude that in populations of examinees such as those represented…
...but isn't the answer to the question, "Can the polygraph be used to coerce false confessions from innocent people?" also quite a resounding, "yes"[0]?
Glossing over or attempting to detract from the grossly negative consequences doesn't automatically arrive at the conclusion that it's resultantly a "good" thing.
[0] - https://www.innocenceproject.org/polygraph-tests-contribute-...
Re: Why Lie Detector Tests Can’t Be Trusted
#186Earlier quoted context omitted.
The parent poster is correct. This is a standard practice for polygraph interviews. The pick one question, more or less at random, and double/triple/quadruple down on it until you break. Or don't. I got "have you ever committed a crime" (and after a actually pretty cool conversation about filesharing vs recording songs off the radio with a tape recorder, I passed). A friend of mine got "have you ever had sex with ani…
Sadly, 'Fuck you and the horse you rode in on' would be an inappropriate response.
Entirely appropriate as you get up and leave. Seriously. There is no other appropriate reaction unless you're terrified of retribution because it's the USSR or one of the wannabes. Price of freedom, etc. etc.
I'd be throwing in the word "Traitor" if it were me, but only on the basis that it is absolutely true.
Re: Why Lie Detector Tests Can’t Be Trusted
#187Earlier quoted context omitted.
The parent poster is correct. This is a standard practice for polygraph interviews. The pick one question, more or less at random, and double/triple/quadruple down on it until you break. Or don't. I got "have you ever committed a crime" (and after a actually pretty cool conversation about filesharing vs recording songs off the radio with a tape recorder, I passed). A friend of mine got "have you ever had sex with ani…
One of the nsa's biggest breaches was perpetrated by a guy who admitted to bestiality during his polygraph.
Correlation doesn't imply causation.
Re: Why Lie Detector Tests Can’t Be Trusted
#188Lie detector tests rely on psychological intimidation. The testee invariably gives up compromising information over the course of the test, allowing the tester to apply leverage or outright coercion. If no useful information is divulged, the test is marked a fail and requires a repeat.
Yes, exactly. Polygraphs are just a form of interrogation technique, disguised as "science". If the science was debunked, then the credibility of the machines would be questioned and the interrogation process would not yield as positive (if you can call it that) results. So the whole mystique of polygraphs must be guarded to keep up the facade of the lie detector's true capabilities.
Even the name "lie detector" is a misnomer, polygraphs have absolutely nothing to do with "detecting lies". They just detect physiological changes during a line of questioning.
Re: Why Lie Detector Tests Can’t Be Trusted
#189Earlier quoted context omitted.
Wait, it’s illegal to lie to federal LEOs?
It's illegal to lie to the Federal Government period: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1001 More precisely, it's a violation of 18 USC 1001 to lie about "any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States" (with a couple of specific exceptions as given). Technically you don't even have to lie to a Federal official since the statute doe…
I like to call this the "Martha Stewart Rule"
https://corporate.findlaw.com/litigation-disputes/how-to-avo...
Re: Why Lie Detector Tests Can’t Be Trusted
#190Earlier quoted context omitted.
The key is just to answer honestly no matter what the question. Did you have sexy with a goat? If the answer yes, then say yes. They do not care. What they care about is you tell the truth with no reservation as it a sign you cannot be blackmailed.
The polygraph can't actually measure anything that can (with any reliability) indicate whether you're telling the truth or lying though. It's basically just a prop to try and stress the subject out and convince them that the examiner can tell what they're thinking. The examiner (really interrogator, calling it a "test" is too generous) will literally pick random things that they feel you're being evasive about and dr…
What does admitting you had sex with a goat have to do with if the machine works or not? If I was not clear, they are looking to see if you can be blackmailed. They may know already you buggered a goat, or snorted a kg of the white stuff. They just want to know you will admit anything you have done as that is the key to make sure others cannot gain leverage over you.