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History and Accuracy of Guilty Knowledge and Peak of Tension Tests

NCJ Number
139297
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 21 Issue: 3 Dated: (1992) Pages: 174-247
Author(s)
N Ansley
Date Published
1992
Length
74 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews the history and accuracy of polygraph tests that detect concealed knowledge; these tests are known variously as guilty knowledge tests, peak of tension tests, stimulation (stim) tests, and concealed knowledge tests.
Abstract
These tests have their origins in work conducted during the early part of the 20th century. It is useful to consider a "peak of tension" test a special case of the "guilty knowledge test," which can be used for additional purposes and use additional formats. These tests are related in principle to the once-popular word association tests. Other test formats include varieties of control-question tests and relevant/irrelevant tests. Many studies have examined these tests with respect to their validity. Chart listing evaluation studies and their results, lists of sample test items, tables, and 226 references

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