Lying – Polygraph Tests Dont Lie, People Do!
Lying and the Role of Polygraph Examiners
As polygraph examiners, we’ve long sought to move away from the term “Lie Detector” in favor of “Truth Determinator” or “Truth Determination.” And for good reason—our profession is about uncovering the truth, not simply labeling deceit. Our work is rooted in principles of fairness, accountability, and integrity, aiming to help people get to the heart of what really happened. But let’s face it: the opposite of telling the truth is lying, and whether we like it or not, much of our work centers on identifying when someone isn’t being honest. Most people turn to our expertise for exactly that reason—to confirm whether or not a person is lying, often in high-stakes situations that can impact individuals, families, or entire organizations.
Why Do People Lie?
Lying is as old as language itself. Researchers speculate that the ability to deceive emerged shortly after humans developed communication, offering an evolutionary advantage in competing for resources, status, and even mates. Lying, as one person I once tested put it, is often seen as “bending the truth.” It’s a behavior deeply embedded in human nature, frequently driven by self-preservation or personal gain. While motivations for lying vary widely, several common categories emerge. Here are a few:
- Personal Wrongdoing or Transgression: Lying to avoid punishment, blame, or negative consequences for actions that violate norms or rules. For example, a child might lie about breaking a vase, or an employee might deny making an error at work.
- Economic Advantage: Lying to obtain financial benefits, such as lying on tax forms, inflating expenses, or committing fraud to gain monetary rewards.
- Personal Advantage: Seeking non-monetary benefits like power, influence, or status. For example, someone might exaggerate their credentials on a job application to secure a desired role.
- Avoidance: Lying to escape detection, responsibility, or confrontation. This often involves fabricating stories to cover up inappropriate behavior or mistakes.
- Self-Impression: Shaping a false but favorable image of oneself to impress others or fit in socially. For instance, lying about achievements, income, or skills to gain admiration or respect.
- Pathological Lying: Compulsive deceit stemming from psychological or behavioral issues, often without clear motive or benefit.
- Malicious Intent: Lying to deliberately harm others, whether it’s to damage someone’s reputation, manipulate a situation, or cause emotional distress.
These motivations underline the complexity of deceit and the critical role polygraph examiners play in uncovering the truth. By identifying why someone lies, we can better understand their behavior and provide context to the situations we evaluate.
Lying in Public Life
History is filled with examples of high-profile individuals caught in lies, reminding us of how pervasive and impactful deceit can be. Think of President Richard Nixon’s infamous “I am not a crook” denial of involvement in the Watergate scandal, a statement that ultimately unraveled under scrutiny. Or President Bill Clinton’s claim, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Monica Lewinsky,” which led to widespread public debate and legal consequences. More recently, President Donald Trump’s assertion that his inauguration crowd was larger than President Barack Obama’s, despite clear photographic evidence to the contrary.
Lying isn’t exclusive to politics. In 2016, during the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, an American swimmer claimed he was robbed at gunpoint. The truth? He and his teammates, drunk after a party, had actually vandalized a gas station and were confronted by security guards. Lies like these—whether motivated by ego, fear, or desperation—underscore why examining the truth is so critical in maintaining societal trust. High-profile lies not only erode public confidence but also reflect how deeply ingrained deceit is in human behavior, even when the stakes are high.
The Human Factor in Believing Lies
Much of what we know comes from trusting what others tell us. Without this implicit trust, human relationships and society as a whole would break down. However, research shows that people are especially vulnerable to believing lies that align with their own views or biases. This explains why some continue to believe debunked claims, such as Donald Trump’s early accusations that President Obama wasn’t born in the United States. When a fact contradicts someone’s deeply held beliefs, they may ignore, dismiss, or even attack it.
A study by the University of Western Australia found that evidence-based corrections often fail to change people’s minds, especially when misinformation comes from a trusted source. Cognitive dissonance and emotional investment play a significant role in this phenomenon, making it challenging to undo the impact of lies once they’ve taken root. As polygraph examiners, we are uniquely positioned to combat this by providing objective, scientifically grounded insights that separate truth from fiction, even in highly sensitive or polarizing scenarios.
Combating Deceit as Polygraph Examiners
As polygraph examiners, our work is rooted in the responsibility to distinguish truth from deception. This role carries immense value, not only for individuals but for society as a whole. So how do we combat the ever-present flow of lies? The answer lies in continuous improvement, advanced training, and embracing technological advancements.
The American Polygraph Association (APA) has been a leader in this effort, thanks to experts like Raymond Nelson, Mark Handler, and Donald Krapohl, who continue to push the boundaries of innovation in our field. Companies like Lafayette, Limestone, Stoelting, and Axciton are also developing cutting-edge polygraph instrumentation to enhance accuracy and reliability. For example, computerized scoring algorithms, strongly supported by the scientific community, are often more reliable than manual evaluations. These tools, combined with rigorous examiner training, allow us to stay ahead of evolving challenges in detecting deception.
Moreover, modern polygraph exams are adapting to consider the psychological and emotional factors that influence lying. By integrating advancements in neuroscience and behavioral science, we are able to refine our methods and provide even greater accuracy and insight.
Final Thoughts
Lying is an intrinsic part of human behavior, but so is the pursuit of truth. As “Truth Determinators,” we play a vital role in maintaining trust, accountability, and justice in society. By leveraging advanced tools, continuous training, and our unique expertise, we can uphold the integrity of our profession and continue to serve humanity in meaningful ways.
Examining lies isn’t just about detecting dishonesty—it’s about restoring trust, providing clarity, and affirming the importance of truth in human interaction. As polygraph examiners, we carry the responsibility of ensuring our work impacts lives positively and upholds ethical standards in a world where deceit often threatens to undermine trust.