Lie detector and lie detector testing is one of the easiest way to find the truth. A lie detector can be a polygraph machine, a computer running Eyedetect or a mobile phone running VerifEye.

Note that VerifEye and polygraph is not as accurate as the Eyedetect.

The main function for such a machine is to find out if the person is truthful or not. Let us have a look at what lie detector tests are available in Norway.

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History behind the lie detector test

The first polygraph machine was introduced in 1985. Lie detector and testing lies have been documented all the way back to the middle ages, but torture was the tool of choice back then.

Cesare Lombroso used a machine to check blood pressure and pulse for the police in the 1880s. In 1904 Vittorio Benussi made a machine that also measured breath. Americans started using the lie detector on German prisoners of war (POW) during the first and second world war.

In 1921 the police in the US started to use lie detection tests, and in 1939 they expanded the test to measure the skin of the person (temperature changes etc.).

Lie detector

What is the modern lie detector and how is it being used in Norway?

The modern lie detector, also known as a polygraph (running polygraph test), is a device used to measure and record physiological indicators such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while a person is asked a series of questions. In Norway, the modern lie detector is being used as a tool by law enforcement and government agencies to aid in criminal investigations and security screenings. The use of the polygraph in Norway is regulated by the Police Act and the National Police Directorate, ensuring that its use is conducted in a fair and ethical manner. The results of a lie detector test are not admissible as evidence in court in Norway, but they can be used as a tool to guide further investigation or to assess the credibility of a suspect or witness. While its effectiveness and accuracy have been the subject of debate, the modern lie detector continues to be used as a supplementary tool in the pursuit of justice and security in Norway.  

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Effectiveness of a polygraph

The effectiveness of a polygraph, also known as a lie detector test, has been a topic of debate within the scientific and legal communities. While some studies claim that the the test is up to 90% accurate in detecting deception, others argue that its accuracy is closer to 70% or even lower. The reliability of the polygraph is also called into question due to the susceptibility of the test results to the examiner’s interpretation and the subjective nature of human behavior. Moreover, there are individuals who have been able to deceive the the machine through various countermeasures, casting doubt on its efficacy. Additionally, the polygraph has been criticized for its potential to produce false positive results, leading to the wrongful accusation of innocent individuals. As a result of these concerns, the use of results as evidence in legal proceedings is often prohibited or viewed with skepticism. Given the conflicting evidence and ethical dilemmas surrounding its use, it is crucial for policymakers and practitioners to critically evaluate the effectiveness of the polygraph before employing it as a tool for assessing truthfulness. It is in other words a guilty knowledge test or a truth detector. 

Lie detector-Truth polygraph used in documentaries

The use of lie detectors, also known as truth polygraphs, in documentaries is a serious matter that requires careful consideration. While these devices can be valuable tools in determining the truthfulness of a subject, they are not foolproof and should be used with caution. It is important to remember that lie detectors measure physiological responses. This means that it can be influenced by a variety of factors, including stress, fear, and anxiety. Additionally, there is a level of subjectivity involved in interpreting the results. Because different individuals may have different physiological responses to similar stimuli. Therefore, the results of a lie detector test should always be viewed with skepticism. And results should never be solely relied upon as conclusive evidence. Documentarians must exercise great care and ethical consideration when using truth polygraphs in their work. It is important to ensure that the potential limitations and inaccuracies of the technology are fully acknowledged and communicated to their audience. Ultimately, while these tests can be a useful investigative tool, they should be used with caution and in conjunction with other forms of evidence.  Criminal suspects are sometimes asked to perform a test in documentaries to detect lies. A machine will find out if a statement is true or false.

The types questions should be yes or not (true or false). Effective policing is making it difficult for suspects not answering truthfully. Questioning techniques is very important in such test when police use polygraphs. Questions should primarily be event-related, so that an innocent person is not found guilty by mistake when used in police. 

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Polygraphs measure physiological changes and can tell if someone is lying. The machine provide real truth detector functionality, but may only be used to ask relevant questions. The evaluator and examiner will always start the process by running a control question test during the interrogation. A detection of deception is performed to see if the candidate is deceptive of the testing procedure.