Examination of suspects Lie detection by verbal or non-verbal cues very poor for most people. Specialized “lie detectors” working for secret services are very accurate…it is an art that needs further study Lie detection: ability to identify suspects through the use of external detection systems Highly unreliable and not accepted as “proof” in court without corroborating evidence Based on physiological measures that relate to anxiety original test known as relevant/irrelevant test (invalid) attempt at improvement was the Control Question Test Problems include: Irrelevant questions do not produce enough arousal Subject does not believe in test Physiology of subjects may have effect Relevant questions can produce arousal without guilt Poor training and equipment

Examination of suspects2 –latest improvement is Guilty Knowledge test –The guilty knowledge test provides the highest level of validity although that too can be easily fooled Subject may have info from other sources or past Subject may not know details but is guilty Subject may be secondary victim Countermeasures are very effective –MRI: new approach to lie detection

Confessions Confessions are prone to the same social psychological forces as eye- witness testimony Desire to obey authority or compliance (Milgram study) Desire to be in agreement with majority or conformity (Asch study) Desire to be accepted and esteem needs(15 minutes of fame): (Maslow) Confusion (entrapment): sensory & sleep deprivation, and deception Fear of greater consequences unless confession offered Inability to comprehend the interrogation process Example: The video “Fear is the Master”