International Usage Contrasts: Cultural Factors

Abstract

There are marked differences in usage of polygraphy between various countries. Many of these differences are of limited interest, because polygraphy requires a certain level of technical development and resources to support the reliable measurement of physiological changes, and many underdeveloped countries do not have the necessary resources. In addition, countries that do not strongly protect individual rights are not likely to use polygraphy, because other third-degree methods are available, and the question of guilt vs. innocence can be decided on the political grounds of what is in the best interests of the state.