PSY344H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Sweat Gland, Quid Pro Quo, Electrodermal Activity
Document Summary
Respiration: subjects breathing is measured and monitored with pneumographic tubes placed around the lower and upper torso. Galvanic skin response: also known as electrodermal activity and most commonly as sweat gland activity. Cardio vascular activity: subjects blood pressure is monitored via a cardio cuff placed on the upper arm. Motion: subject is seated on a motion sensing pad to ensure that they remain still during the examination and to detect possible countermeasures. The principle mechanism or engine driving the polygraph is the fight or flight syndrome. Pre-test: legal rights, medical psychological history, family background,, knowledge of investigation, how the instrument works, question formulation. Purpose: to relax the subject, determine suitability, establish understanding and rapport. Duration is 45-60 minutes but varies depending on the subject. Need to know how far to push someone based on their operating mind. A confession is a very powerful item of evidence against an accused which can ground a conviction.
