Unit 8 Beating A Lie Detector (Reading Explorer 4 - 3rd Edition)

Summary

In this intriguing exploration of polygraph testing, Johnny Phillips undergoes a lie detector test to determine if it's possible to deceive the machine. The polygraph measures physiological responses like pulse, breathing, and sweat to detect stress when lying. Johnny attempts to use various tricks, such as pressing a drawing pin into his shoe and applying antiperspirant to his fingers, to avoid detection. Despite his efforts, the polygraph reveals a significant stress spike when asked about stealing a friend's game console, ultimately causing him to fail the test. The video raises questions about the reliability and effectiveness of lie detectors.

Takeaways

• 😀 Polygraphs detect lies by measuring physiological changes like pulse, breathing rate, and skin conductivity.
• 😀 Lying causes natural stress responses, such as an increased pulse, faster breathing, and sweating.
• 😀 The key to beating a polygraph test is to mask or control your stress responses.
• 😀 Johnny Phillips undergoes a polygraph test to see if he can fool it after stealing a games console.
• 😀 The test begins with baseline questions to establish Johnny's normal stress levels.
• 😀 Johnny uses a technique involving a drawing pin in his shoe to cause pain and mask stress responses during the baseline.
• 😀 Another technique Johnny uses is spraying antiperspirant on his fingers to reduce sweat and skin conductivity.
• 😀 During the main questioning, Johnny tries to deceive the polygraph by denying he took the games console.
• 😀 The polygraph detects a significant spike in Johnny's stress levels when asked if he took the missing games console.
• 😀 Despite his efforts, Johnny fails the polygraph test, indicating the techniques didn't work as expected.
• 😀 A failed polygraph test is not enough for a conviction in a UK court, but it could influence a jury's opinion.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a polygraph test?

The purpose of a polygraph test is to detect physiological changes in the body that may indicate stress, which could suggest a lie. These changes include variations in pulse, breathing rate, and sweating.

How do polygraphs detect possible lies?

Polygraphs detect possible lies by measuring physiological responses, such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and sweating. Any significant spike in these responses can suggest stress, which may indicate deception.

Can a person beat a polygraph test?

It is possible to attempt to deceive a polygraph by controlling stress responses. Techniques like using pain (e.g., drawing pin in the shoe) or applying antiperspirant to reduce sweating can interfere with the accuracy of the test.

What method did Johnny use to try to beat the polygraph test?

Johnny used two methods to try to beat the polygraph test: he pressed a drawing pin into his foot during the baseline questions to increase stress levels and sprayed his fingers with antiperspirant to reduce sweating.

What was the purpose of the baseline questions in the polygraph test?

The baseline questions in the polygraph test were asked to establish Johnny's normal stress levels. These questions were known to be true, providing a comparison for detecting any spikes in stress during the main interrogation.

Why did Johnny fail the polygraph test?

Johnny failed the polygraph test because the pain-induced stress from the drawing pin caused a spike that was confused with nervous stress. Additionally, the antiperspirant he used to reduce sweating actually increased skin conductivity, leading to misleading results.

How did Johnny try to reduce his stress during the polygraph test?

Johnny attempted to reduce his stress by using a drawing pin in his shoe to distract his mind and increase his stress baseline, and he also applied antiperspirant to his fingers to minimize sweating, which could have caused false positives on the polygraph.

What historical figure is mentioned as having beaten a polygraph test?

The transcript mentions CIA agent Aldridge Ames, who supposedly beat two polygraph tests in the 1980s while spying for the Russians. He is said to have been very relaxed, which helped him pass the tests.

What did the polygraph results show during Johnny’s test?

The polygraph results showed a significant change in Johnny's physiological responses, particularly his breathing and sweat resistance, when he was asked about stealing the games console, leading to the conclusion that he failed the test.

Can the results of a polygraph test be used as evidence in court?

In the UK, the results of a polygraph test cannot be used as definitive evidence for a conviction in a court of law, though they may influence the opinions of a jury.