Polygraphed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งช
polygraphed
[หpษlษชหษกrรฆft ]
Definition
testing device
To polygraph someone means to use a polygraph, commonly known as a lie detector, to measure physiological responses as a means to assess truthfulness. This device checks changes in heartbeat, blood pressure, and respiration as the person answers questions.
Synonyms
deception detection, lie detector test, truth verification.
Examples of usage
- The detective polygraphed the suspect to verify his alibi.
- She was polygraphed during the investigation to check her credibility.
- In the trial, the witness was polygraphed to determine if he was lying.
- The company regularly polygraphs its employees for security reasons.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Polygraphs measure the body's responses โ like heart rate and sweat โ to determine honesty.
- Some researchers argue that polygraph results are not always reliable, citing factors like anxiety affecting responses.
History
- The polygraph was first developed in the early 20th century, with the modern version dating back to the 1920s.
- Famed American psychologist William Moulton Marston contributed to its creation, believing emotional responses could indicate truthfulness.
Pop Culture
- Polygraphs are popular in crime shows, often portrayed as infallible tools for revealing lies.
- Reality television often uses polygraph tests to increase drama and test contestants' honesty.
Psychology
- The belief in the polygraph's accuracy is influenced by perceptions of body language and psychological indicators of truthfulness.
- Many psychologists debate the ethics of using polygraphs in legal situations, questioning their effectiveness and fairness.
Origin of 'polygraphed'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'poly-' comes from Greek, meaning 'many', and '-graph' relates to writing or recording.
- The term reflects how the polygraph machine records multiple physiological responses simultaneously.
The term 'polygraph' comes from the Greek word 'polygrapho', which is a combination of 'poly-', meaning 'many', and 'grapho', meaning 'to write'. The polygraph as a device was developed in the early 20th century by John Augustus Larson, a medical student, and later refined by Leonard Keeler. The device was initially used in criminal investigations to measure physiological responses to questions and has since become synonymous with lie detection. Over the years, the validity and reliability of polygraph tests have been debated within scientific and legal fields, leading to ongoing discussions about their use in various contexts, including employment screening and criminal justice.