Which of the following statements about polygraphs is MOST accurate?
A) Polygraphs can detect lying with almost 100 percent accuracy.
B) Polygraphs can detect emotionality that accompanies lying some of the time, but with a high error rate.
C) Polygraphs cannot detect emotionality at all.
D) Polygraphs can detect positive emotional states with a high degree of accuracy and negative emotional states with a low degree of accuracy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While polygraphs can detect physiological changes that occur with emotionality, such as increased heart rate and sweating, these changes can also occur for reasons other than lying. Therefore, polygraphs are not foolproof and can result in false positives or false negatives. Research suggests that polygraphs have an error rate of about 20-30 percent.

Which of the Following Statements About Polygraphs Is MOST Accurate