Laboratory Studies: Factors Affecting Psychophysiological Detection

Abstract

In the past three decades a relatively large body of research data relevant to psychophysiological detection has accumulated. Most of the experimental efforts have been carried out by psychophysiologists and applied psychologists, and most studies have utilized the GKT. The frequent use of the GKT in this type of research is not surprising in light of our description and comparison of the different methods (see Chapters 1 and 2). The GKT is the only standardized method for psychophysiological detection, and the only one which makes use of proper control questions. Therefore only the GKT can permit sound inferences from a given pattern of physiological responding. The fact that most research in this area is based on the GKT, whereas most applications are based on the CQT, is one example of the paradoxical state which characterizes lie detection.