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Use of the Polygraph With Children

NCJ Number
163074
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 24 Issue: 4 Dated: (1995) Pages: 259-274
Author(s)
S R Adang
Date Published
1995
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Following an overview of the results of physiological examinations of children, up to and including the polygraph instrument as we use it today, this paper discusses polygraph usefulness and effectiveness with a child and a determination of the age at which it becomes less effective; results are provided from a survey of experts in the use of polygraph with children, along with opinions of seasoned examiners.
Abstract
Competency as described throughout legal history and psychological research is the ability to distinguish between truth and lies. With limited physiological instrumentation, general opinions have been that preschool children (ages 3-6) can not effectively be evaluated with the polygraph because of factors of intelligence, fantasy, attention, etc. Ages 7-10 improve in their competency to be evaluated, but must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Mental abilities from ages 11 to 12 and above are sufficient to conclude that generally a proper polygraph examination can be administered. The survey sent to experts and experienced examiners confirms the results of studies and opinions of those involved in past years. Thus, there is apparently a consensus not only among the past physiological and psychological opinions, but also among the current theories used by practicing examiners and the experts of today. The author concludes that at approximately 11 to 12 years old the probability of achieving a proper polygraph examination is high. Although an effective polygraph examination is not impossible with children younger than this, the probability of success is lessened. 15 references

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