Possibilities and challenges of the polygraph test for applied psychophysiology

Abstract

The polygraph test is an applied psychophysiological technique. This paper describes the psychophysiological foundations of the polygraph test to illustrate the "real-world applications of psychophysiology." Current practices of polygraph testing in Japan use the concealed information test (CIT) for detecting information, which is a practice that is unique to Japan. The CIT relies on psychophysiological findings, including basic findings that do not focus on applied settings. However, some of application-oriented studies of the CIT have little practical relevance due to shortage of knowledge about practical situations. In future research, more emphasis should be placed on the generalization of findings or being grounded by knowledge about situations where a technique is used. Finally, the possibilities and challenges facing Japanese psychophysiological research are discussed.