EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA

B.S. Criminology
CDI 3: Special Crime Investigation 2
Week 7: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

INTRODUCTION:
Lying is a part of communication and a form of
social behavior which is involved in interacting
with others. Lying means saying a statement that he/she
knows themselves as false to others to whom he/she want
to perceive it as true. It can be also seen that we lie not
only for personal gains but also for others gain too. That is to avoid harm affecting
ourselves and to avoid hurting others. Lying can be accepted if it saves someone’s life-
ourselves or of others.
Various methods have been developed using science and technology to
establish if a person is telling the truth. Although lie detections are scientifically based,
these are not fully recognized by the courts as means of producing evidence to establish
the truth. In fact, most information developed using scientific lie detection methods are not
admissible as direct or primary court evidence despite their expediency in crime detection
and investigation. This is something that is ironic in the Philippine setting.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this Module, you should be able to:

 Define Lie / Deception and other terms

 Psychological factors of lying
 Why psychophysiology is closely associated with lie detection?
 Anatomy and Physiology of Human Nervous System
 How Lie Detectors Work

LESSON PROPER:
Topic: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

I. DEFINITION OF
TERMS

Lie an untrue statement made with intent to deceive or mislead;

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B.S. Criminology
CDI 3: Special Crime Investigation 2
Week 7: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

Lying is a form of deceiving others verbally. “to make a false statement with the intention
to deceive”
Deception the act of causing someone to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid
Lie detection is also called Deception and scientific Truth Verification. As scientific lie
detection is now included as one of the areas of forensic science.
Forensic lie detection is better known as Forensic psychophysiology.

Psychophysiology is a lie detection method primarily and

extensively utilizes the combined knowledge of psychology and
physiology.

Polygraph method is the most popular field of forensic

psychophysiology according to Dr. William J. Yankee of the
Department of Defense Polygraph Institute (DoDPI).

Polygraph examination is one of the most complex

psychophysiological examinations ever developed. (Matte 1996)

The field of PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY is focused on studying the functions of human

nervous system and the bodily reactions of the body of a person as influence by his
mental responses to specific stimulus. In simpler words, it is a field of science dealing
with the relationship between psychology and
physiology.

II. Psychological factors of lying

Why do people Lie?

1. Fear of Conflict
2. Fear of Punishment
3. Fear of Harm
4. Altruistic Reasons
5. Fear of Rejection
6. Fear of Loss
7. Force of Habit

III. Why psychophysiology is closely associated with lie detection?

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B.S. Criminology
CDI 3: Special Crime Investigation 2
Week 7: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

Oftentimes, nervousness is the psychological reactions used as

symptom of deception. However, nervousness per se cannot be
measured. What we can actually measure are bodily reactions such
as sudden change in heartbeat and breathing pattern.

Emotions are indispensable parts of the body’s adjustive machinery.

Strong emotions especially fear, usually hamper sound thinking in at
least three ways.

1. Whenever we interpret a situation as critical, we become so concerned with the

threat that we are unable to concentrate on the problem.

2. The redistribution of the blood supply occurring with strong fear tends to decrease the
supple to the higher brain centers and to leave them undernourished so that they ceased
to function effectively.

3. Emotions tend to reduce the control of behavior by thought.

In polygraph situation, it is fear, fear of detection fear of consequences if the individual is

detected that causes the sympathetic system to activate in order to prepare the body to
meet the emergency. Therefore, a sense of guilt is not an essential element to activate the
sympathetic system.

IV.Anatomy and Physiology of Human Nervous System

The Nervous System

It is a complex combination of cells whose primary function is
to allow an organism to gain information about what is going on
inside and outside the body and to respond appropriately.

3 basic functions of the nervous system

1. Receiving information, or input (a small object)

2. Integrating or processing that information (is it a candy?)
3. Guiding actions, or output (wave it away with smile)

The human nervous system is composed of the following:

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA

B.S. Criminology
CDI 3: Special Crime Investigation 2
Week 7: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord.

1. The CNS processes and coordinates all incoming

sensory information and
outgoing motor commands.
2. The CNS is the seat of complex brain functions
such as memory, intelligence,
learning and emotion.

PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (PNS) includes

all neural tissue outside the central
nervous system.

It is responsible for providing sensory (afferent)

information to the CNS and carrying motor) efferent) commands out of the body tissues.
The PNS has two subdivisions:

1. Somatic Nervous System-controls voluntary motor commands such as moving

muscles to walk or talk.
2. Autonomic Nervous System-controls involuntary motor commands such as
digestion and heartbeat.

The autonomic nervous system which acts as a self-regulating response of the body,
is further divided into two branches:

a. Sympathetic nervous system-also called the flight or fight mechanism, increases

alertness stimulates the tissue and prepares the body for quick response to unusual
situations.

b. Parasympathetic nervous system-also called the rest and repose system, conserves
energy and controls sedentary activities such as digestion.

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system acts opposite with each other.

When a person is under the influence of physical stimulus (exertion) or emotional

provocation (such as excitement, fear and anger), the sympathetic branch dominates and
over-rides the parasympathetic component. In effect there will be changes in the-

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B.S. Criminology
CDI 3: Special Crime Investigation 2
Week 7: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

1. Pulse(heartbeat)
2. Blood pressure
3. Breathing
4. Response-time
5. Voice
6. Other physiological response

When the conditions of stress are no longer present, the parasympathetic branch is
dominant when things are normal and the person is calm, contented and relaxed.

V. How Lie Detectors Work

The polygraph instrument has undergone a dramatic change in the last decade. For many
years, polygraphs were those instruments that you see in the movies with little needles
scribbling lines on a single strip of scrolling paper. These are called analog polygraphs.
Today, most polygraph tests are administered with digital equipment. The scrolling paper
has been replaced with sophisticated algorithms and computer monitors.

POLYGRAPHY is the study of lie detection, the methods, techniques and use of a
Polygraph.

POLYGRAPH
is the machine/instrument, either ANALOG or Computerized Polygraph System (CPS).
The word POLYGRAPH was derived from the two Greek words: POLY (many or more)
and GRAPHOS (writings).

The basic components of a lie detector system

1. Pneumograph/ Respiratory Rate

Records breathing changes of subject.
Is composed of:
Pneumo1 (thoracic part) –chest assembly
Pneumo2 (abdomen) –abdominal assembly
Tracings are located at 1st and 2nd lines of tracings.
Note: inhalation ad expiration is one respiratory cycle. Pneumographic Tube

2. Galvanograph/ Electro-dermal activity

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B.S. Criminology
CDI 3: Special Crime Investigation 2
Week 7: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

a. Records the skin resistance or the sweat activity.

b. Finger electrodes are attached with the index and ring finger (opposite hand where the
BP Cuff is attached)
c. Tracing is located 3rdfrom top on the Chart.
d. Has the longest pen of 6-7 inches.

3. Cardiosphymograph /Blood pressure/heart rate

a. Records heart beats, Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate.
b. Cuff is used attached around the subject’s arm and must be centered on the Brachial
Artery about 1 inch above the elbow.
c. If my BP is 120/90, my 120 is the systolic and 90 is the diastolic.
d. Tracing on chart paper is located at bottom part.e. Pen is 5 inches long.

Arm Cuff Hand-pump Bulb

Aneroid b/p meter gauge Cardio Tracing

 Despite claims of 'lie detector' examiners, there is no machine that can detect lies,"
reads a statement from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

 "The 'lie detector' does not measure truth-telling; it measures changes in blood
pressure, breath rate and perspiration rate, but those physiological changes can be
triggered by a wide range of emotions." "If the (forensic psychophysiologists) is
properly trained and has the experience, he can penetrate that.

Stages of Examination

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA

B.S. Criminology
CDI 3: Special Crime Investigation 2
Week 7: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

1. Pretest - This consists of an interview between the examiner and examinee, where the
two individuals get to learn about each other. This may last about one hour. At this point,
the examiner gets the examinee's side of the story concerning the events under
investigation. While the subject is sitting there answering questions, the examiner also
profiles the examinee. The examiner wants to see how the subject responds to questions
and processes information.

2. In-test - The actual exam is given. The examiner asks 10 or 11 questions, only three of
four of which are relevant to the issue or crime being investigated. The other questions are
control questions.

A control question is a very general question, such as "Have you ever stolen anything in
your life?" -- a type of question that is so broad that almost no one can honestly respond
with a "no." If the person answers "no," the examiner can get an idea of the reaction that
the
examinee demonstrates when being deceptive.

3. Post-test - The examiner analyses the data of physiological responses and makes a
determination regarding whether the person has been deceptive. If there are significant
fluctuations that show up in the results, this may signal that the subject has been
deceptive, especially if the person displayed similar responses to a question that was
asked repeatedly.

There are times when a polygraph examiner misinterprets a person's reaction to a

particular question. The human factor of a polygraph exam and the subjective nature of
the test are two reasons why polygraph exam results are seldom admissible in court.

Here are the two ways that a response can be misinterpreted: ERRORS in PE
 False positive - The response of a truthful person is determined to be
deceptive. (The subject told the truth but the polygraph result tells that he lied.)
 False negative - The response of a deceptive person is determined to be
truthful. (The subject did not tell the truth but the polygraph result tells that he told
the truth)

Types of Questions

1.Relevant Questions are questions used in PE that are related to the crime under
investigation.
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B.S. Criminology
CDI 3: Special Crime Investigation 2
Week 7: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

Examples:
 Are you maintaining a communication with one of your ex-girlfriends?
 Are you maintaining a communication with your ex-girlfriend named Maria?
 Have you ever had any physical sexual relationship with any other woman other
than your wife?
 Have you had any physical sexual relationship with
Maria?

Sample questions in Homicide (3 RQs)

 Were you in possession of a gun within the vicinity where Mario was killed?
 Do you know somebody who killed the victim, Mario?
 Did you use your gun in shooting the victim, Mario?

2. Irrelevant or Neutral Questions are questions in PE that are NOT related to the case
under investigation.
Examples:
 Is today Monday?
 Is your first name Hernan?
 Do you live in Baguio City?

3. Evidence Connecting Questions –intended to arouse the subject in incriminating

proof that would tend to establish his guilt.
Ex: Sa ‘yo ba nakapangalan ang kotse na natagpuan sa crime scene?

4. Knowledge Questions –used to determine whether the subject knows any info related
to the crime.
Ex: Do you know the name of the suspect?

5. Sacrifice or DYAT Questions are asked before asking the first relevant question.
Ex:
Ikaw ba ay sasagot ng katotohanan sa lahat ng aking mga katanungan

6. Symptomatic Questions are asked to determine

OUTSIDE FACTORS which are not under investigation.
Ex: Did you use a fake Facebook account in messaging Clementina?

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B.S. Criminology
CDI 3: Special Crime Investigation 2
Week 7: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

7. Control or Comparison Questions are NOT RELATED to the crime under

investigation BUT SIMILAR in nature to the crime under investigation.
Examples:
•Have you ever physically assaulted someone in your life?
•Have you ever forced somebody to have physical sexual
intercourse with you?

8. Sky Questions are used to verify the previous charts to detect indirect participation of
subject.
Examples:
1.Do you suspect anyone who committed the crime?
2.Do you know the ___ of the suspect?
3.Did you witness the suspect in doing the crime?

LEGALITY

COUNTRIES THAT ALLOW POLYGRAPH TEST AS PART OF INVESTIGATION

(Prof. Ray Bull, from inside time issue Sept 2017)

1.Belgium 6.Singapore 11.Taiwan

2.Canada 7.South Korea 12.Thailand
3.Israel 8.Mexico 13.USA
4.Japan 9.Pakistan
5.Turkey 10.Philippines

STATES in U.S.A. THAT ALLOW THE USE OF POLYGRAPH TEST RESULTS AS

EVDIENCE

1.Alabama 4.California 7.Hawaii

2.Arizona 5.Delaware 8.Idaho
3.Arkansas 6.Georgia 8.Indiana

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 EXACT COLLEGES OF ASIA

B.S. Criminology
CDI 3: Special Crime Investigation 2
Week 7: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

9.Iowa 11.New Mexico 15.Texas

8.Kansas
12.North Carolina 16.Utah
9.Nevada
13.North Dakota 17.Washington
10.New Jersey
14.Ohio 18.Wyoming

Carpo v. Court of Appeals

 Polygraph test results are not admissible as forensic evidence because it is not 100%
reliable, thus not scientific, following the Daubert standard.
 Experts’ opinion may differ after interpreting the same polygraph tracing.
 The accuracy of findings depends on the competency of the examiner and condition of
the polygraph.

The Daubert standard is the standard used by a trial judge to assess whether an expert
witness's scientific testimony is based on scientifically valid reasoning which can properly
be applied to the facts at issue.

RECITATION:
Find and encircle the terms discussed in the lesson.

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B.S. Criminology
CDI 3: Special Crime Investigation 2
Week 7: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Why do people lie? What are the reasons?

Fear of Conflict
Fear of Punishment
Fear of Harm

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B.S. Criminology
CDI 3: Special Crime Investigation 2
Week 7: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

Altruistic Reasons
Fear of Rejection
Fear of Loss
Force of Habit

2. Do you think the lie detector really measures if the person is telling the truth or
not? If Yes/No Explain your answer.

"The 'lie detector' does not measure truth-telling; it measures changes in blood pressure,
breath rate and perspiration rate, but those physiological changes can be triggered by a
wide range of emotions."

3. Is the sense of guilt an essential element to activate the sympathetic system? If

Yes/No. Explain your answer.

In polygraph situation, it is fear, fear of detection fear of consequences if the individual is

detected that causes the sympathetic system to activate in order to prepare the body to
meet the emergency. Therefore, a sense of guilt is not an essential element to activate the
sympathetic system.

EVALUATION:
Choose the letter of the correct answer being describe or ask on each
question.

When the sympathetic Nervous System dominates every time the person is under the
influence of physical or emotional stimulus in effect there will be changes in the following
except for one.
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B.S. Criminology
CDI 3: Special Crime Investigation 2
Week 7: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

A. Smell
B. Voice
C. Blood pressure
D. Pulse(heartbeat)
ANSWER: A

It is called the flight or fight mechanism, increases alertness stimulates the tissue and
prepares the body for quick response to unusual situations.
A. Autonomic Nervous System
B. Parasympathetic nervous system
C. Sympathetic nervous system
D. Somatic Nervous System
ANSWER: C

It is called the rest and repose system, conserves energy and controls sedentary activities
such as digestion.
A. Autonomic Nervous System
B. Parasympathetic nervous system
C. Sympathetic nervous system
D. Somatic Nervous System
ANSWER: B

It is a field of science dealing with the relationship between psychology and physiology.
A. Psychophysiology
B. Physiology
C. Psychology
D. Polygraphy
ANSWER: A

It is the machine/instrument, either ANALOG or Computerized Polygraph System (CPS).

A. Psychophysiology
B. Physiology
C. Psychology
D. Polygraphy
ANSWER: D

One of the components of a lie detector system that records breathing changes of subject.
A. Galvanograph/ Electro-dermal activity
B. Pneumograph/ Respiratory Rate
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B.S. Criminology
CDI 3: Special Crime Investigation 2
Week 7: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

C. Cardiosphymograph/Blood pressure/heart rate

D. Psychophysiology
ANSWER: B

One of the components of a lie detector system that records the skin resistance or the
sweat activity.
A. Galvanograph/ Electro-dermal activity
B. Pneumograph/ Respiratory Rate
C. Cardiosphymograph/Blood pressure/heart rate
D. Psychophysiology
ANSWER: A

This consists of an interview between the examiner and examinee, where the two
individuals get to learn about each other.
A. In-test
B. Pretest
C. Post Test
D. Lie detection test
ANSWER: B

The examiner analyses the data of physiological responses and makes a determination
regarding whether the person has been deceptive.
A. In-test
B. Pretest
C. Post Test
D. Lie detection test
ANSWER: C

The subject did not tell the truth but the polygraph result tells that he told
the truth.

A. False positive
B. Positive
C. False negative
D. Negative
ANSWER: C

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B.S. Criminology
CDI 3: Special Crime Investigation 2
Week 7: PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING

REFERENCE/S:
 Kevin Bonsor. How lie detectors work. Retrieved on March 21, 2018. Retrieved
from https://people.howstuffworks.com/lie-detector1.htm
 Bryan Robinson. Polygraphs accurate but not foolproof. Retrieved on march 21,
2018.Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/us/story?id=92847&page=1
 Notes On Criminalistics Polygraphy. Quest Review Center. 1550 Espana Blvd.
Cor. Lacson Ave.,Sampaloc, Manila

Congratulations! On reaching the end of this module!

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

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