Does The Polygraph Work?
To answer the question of whether a polygraph machine really works or not, we have to understand the purpose. When used as a lie detector, there is a reason the results are not allowed in court. Basically, there is no good evidence that the polygraph is accurate enough to be relied upon for lie detection. In fact, most scientists consider it to be based on faulty science at best. But much of the time the purpose of the polygraph is to elicit a confession or damaging admissions. In other words, it is used as a tool of intimidation. Because of people’s belief in this “lie detector test,” the polygraph does sometimes work for this purpose.
