Quote:I think one fact about the polygraph test is that it is a machine,
the machine is not doing the thinking, it is mearly reporting on what it is being fed. The element that makes the test accurate is the person creating the testing questions and how skillfully they ask the same questions in different contexts.
Just reporting on what it is being fed?
The machine simply measures F3 reactions to questions, which the examiner then falsely claim to be an indication of "deception". It's like saying a high temperature and cough automatically equate to the flu.
Quote:The polygraph machine is to the polygrapher as an Xray machine is to the radiologist.
That's a false comparison.
If an Xray film show that there is a broken collar bone, for instance, then it's a broken collar bone, not a broken ankle bone or heart murmur. The result is unequivocal. And the result will be followed up with an appropriate treatment based on the Xray.
If a polygraph machine shows consistent autonomic nervous system "reaction" to a question, it could be due to deception, anger, a repressed memory...etc. The result is NOT unequivocal, but speculative and subjective. And in the case of preemployment polygraphs, isn't even follow-up for accuracy.
Others have tried to compare the polygraph test with the medical or scientific fields. But it is all based on the following FALSE SYLLOGISM:
In the field of science, devices are used to measure scientific data.
Polygraphers use a device which measures scientific (physiological) data.
Polygraphers are therefore scientists.
Which is like saying:
Mobsters use fire arms to kill people.
Soldiers use fire arms to kill people.
Soldiers are therefore mobsters.
TC