Are polygraph results conclusive?

The American Polygraph Association, which sets standards for testing, says that polygraphs are “highly accurate,” citing an accuracy rate above 90 percent when done properly. Critics, however, say the tests are correct only 70 percent of the time.

How reliable are polygraph results?

Typically, when someone is lying, a well-trained polygraph examiner can tell. It is not 100\% accurate though. They estimate the accuracy of the polygraph to be 87\%. That is, in 87 out of 100 cases, the polygraph can accurately determine if someone is lying or telling the truth.

Why does a polygraph come back inconclusive?

There are several factors that could cause the results of a polygraph examination to be rendered as “Inconclusive”. Some of these factors include improper question formulation based on bad case facts. The lack of fear by the examinee of getting caught in a lie is sometimes a reason for this result.

Why polygraph is not admissible as evidence?

Polygraph evidence is presently inadmissible in Canada and many jurisdictions of the United States. One of the major reasons for its exclusion lies in the belief (held by members of the judiciary) that jurors would accept such evidence without question due to its technical/scientific nature.

What is an inconclusive polygraph?

In a real life setting an inconclusive result simply means the examiner is unable to render a definite diagnosis of truth or deception. In such cases a second examination is usually conducted at a later date.

Is an inconclusive polygraph a fail?

First, keep in mind inconclusive polygraph results aren’t necessarily a bad thing. Because a polygraph can’t really tell if you’re lying – it simply measures physiological response to fact-based questions – a number of factors could result in inconclusive results.

Can you fail polygraph telling truth?

You can fail the test simply because you don’t quite understand the question, or over-analyze the question each time, even if the examiner gave you clarification multiple times. You tell the examiner, and they just say it’s not something to worry about, that the question does not refer to them.