The Polygraph and Lie Detection (National Research Council)

The study "The Polygraph and Lie Detection" by the National Research Council evaluates the effectiveness of polygraphs, or lie detectors. These devices measure physiological responses—such as heart rate, blood pressure, and skin conductivity—that can change when a person is deceptive. However, the NRC found that these responses are not uniquely linked to lying and can be influenced by anxiety, fear, or other emotions. As a result, polygraphs are not reliably accurate for detecting deception, and their results should be interpreted with caution, considering their limitations in forensic and investigative contexts.