Detector instruments record data from sensors that monitor autonomic and physical activities such as respiration, cardiovascular, electrodermal, and somatic activity, in addition to response test stimulus questions
Although lies per se cannot be measured in the same way as a physical substance, several measurable physiological responses have been shown to be statistically correlated with differences in the strength of response to different test stimuli as a function of the criterion state of deception and truth-telling.
Numerical scores are assigned to these responses either though:
- Objective linear metrics
- Non-parametric methods such Rank Ordering
- Procedural Rubrics
- Numerical scores are combined together in structural models that have been shown to optimize the discrimination and classification of deceptive and truthful persons with accuracy that exceeds the capabilities of any single measurement or response symptom.
- Recorded physiological data can then be partitioned according to either the individual question source or the type of test stimuli, and the level of statistical significance can be calculated using either normative or ipsative methods.
A categorical result, indicating either deception or truth telling, is supported when the confidence level or probability of error associated with the test result is equal to or exceeds a required level of precision or maximum tolerance for error. This can also be accomplished by comparing a numerical test score to a required cutscore. A Test system that records, stores, and analyzes physiological changes during the examination.
