Brains vs. Beliefs Episode 7: The Polygraph
By Emily Stark and Karla Lassonde
In this episode, psychologists Emily Stark and Karla Lassonde discuss the reliability of polygraph tests. We describe the portrayal of lie detection in the media, the procedures used with polygraphs, and research studies that raise concerns about the reliability and accuracy of the polygraph. Overall, we highlight that more research is needed to keep developing the polygraph as well as other methods of lie detection, in order to be more confident when detecting deception in areas like crime investigation or hiring.
You can view show notes and a transcript here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/848b1a21
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References and Resources
American Psychological Association. (2025). Do “lie detectors” work? What psychological science says about polygraphs. https://www.apa.org/topics/cognitive-neuroscience/polygraph
Barnes, B., Myers, B., Klainer, R., & Meyer, K. (2025). Damned if you don’t: Public perceptions of polygraph testing and suspect willingness to be tested. Legal and Criminological Psychology, 30, 316-325. Doi: 10.1111/lcrp.12310.
Employee Polygraph Protection Act, U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/polygraph
Harris, M. E. (2010). The lie generator: Inside the black mirror world of polygraph job screenings. Wired.com. https://www.wired.com/story/inside-polygraph-job-screening-black-mirror/
Lilienfeld, S. O., Lynn, S. J., Ruscio, J., & Beyerstein, B. L. (2010). 50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology: Shattering Widespread Misconceptions about Human Behavior. Wiley-Blackwell, West Sussex, United Kingdom.
Miller, C. B. (October 31, 2023). This is how often people lie in a day. Scientific American, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/people-lie-1-08-times-a-day/#:~:text=The%20classic%20study%20on%20lying,has%20been%20replicated%20several%20times.
Myers, B., Latter, R., & Abdollahi-Arena, M. K. (2006). The Court of Public Opinion: Lay Perceptions of Polygraph Testing. Law and Human Behavior, 30(4), 509–523. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10979-006-9041-0
National Research Council. (2003). The Polygraph and Lie Detection. Washington DC: The National Academic Press, Committee to Review the Scientific Evidence on the Polygraph, Division of Behavioral and Social Science and Education.