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Polygraphy and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Lie Detection: A Controlled Blind Comparison Using the
Daniel D Langleben1,2,3, Jonathan G Hakun4, David Seelig2
1Center for the Studies of Addiction, 3900 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104. langlebe@upenn.edu.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|January 23, 2016
Summary
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) showed a 24% higher accuracy in detecting concealed information compared to traditional polygraphy. This study suggests fMRI warrants further investigation as a potential lie detection alternative.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Intentional deception has significant social, legal, and clinical consequences.
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has mapped brain activation patterns during deception.
- Polygraphy remains the primary biological lie detection method despite criticism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy of fMRI and polygraphy in detecting concealed information.
- To evaluate fMRI as a potential alternative to polygraphy for lie detection.
Main Methods:
- A blind, prospective, controlled within-subjects study was conducted.
- Twenty-eight participants concealed a number (3-8) and were questioned during fMRI and polygraphy sessions.
- Experts evaluated fMRI images and polygraph data to determine the concealed number.
Main Results:
- fMRI experts were 24% more likely to detect the concealed number than polygraphy experts (relative risk = 1.24, P < .001).
- When 2 out of 3 raters agreed, the combined accuracy for both modalities was 100% for 17 participants.
Conclusions:
- fMRI shows promise as a potential alternative to polygraphy for lie detection.
- Further research into the use of fMRI, alone or combined with psychophysiology, is warranted.
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