The polygraph, commonly known as a lie detector test, has long been a subject of intrigue, skepticism, and myth. The internet is replete with strategies purported to help one ‘beat’ the test. But do they really work? Let’s dive into the top 10 most commonly cited methods and debunk the myths surrounding them.
1. Bite Your Tongue
The Myth: Biting your tongue or causing yourself some sort of physical pain during control questions will skew the results. The Reality: Modern polygraph tests are sophisticated. Examiners are trained to differentiate between genuine emotional responses and those induced artificially.
2. Control Your Breathing
The Myth: By controlling and altering your breathing patterns, you can influence the polygraph results. The Reality: Breathing control is one of the most recognizable countermeasures. Polygraph professionals are well-aware of this tactic, making it ineffective.
3. Think Exciting Thoughts
The Myth: By thinking exhilarating or scary thoughts during control questions, you can alter the test results. The Reality: Polygraph tests measure more than just brain activity. The combination of physiological responses cannot be effectively manipulated by mere thoughts.
4. Take Drugs or Medications
The Myth: Consuming sedatives or other drugs can help in calming nerves and, hence, passing the test. The Reality: Not only is this method unreliable, but examiners can also usually detect drug-induced states, further jeopardizing test results.
5. Flex Your Muscles
The Myth: Flexing muscles, especially during control questions, can influence the results. The Reality: Like other physical countermeasures, this tactic is easily recognized by trained professionals.
6. Lie Throughout the Test
The Myth: Consistently lying or giving false answers will confuse the machine. The Reality: The polygraph measures deviations from baseline readings, so being consistently deceptive won’t offer any advantages.
7. Practice Answering Questions
The Myth: Practicing answers will help you come off as genuine during the test. The Reality: Polygraphs don’t just measure the words spoken; they measure physiological responses that can’t be ‘practiced’ away.
8. Manipulate the Control Questions
The Myth: Answering control questions falsely can alter the baseline, affecting the outcome. The Reality: Examiners establish multiple control questions and have a keen understanding of human behavior. They’re trained to identify such manipulations.
9. Wear a Pacemaker
The Myth: Using a pacemaker or other device can interfere with the polygraph’s readings. The Reality: A polygraph measures several physiological responses simultaneously. A pacemaker wouldn’t mask all the indicators, and its presence would likely be detected.
10. Stay Calm and Relaxed
The Myth: By simply staying calm, you can ‘beat’ the test. The Reality: While it’s beneficial to be relaxed, it’s not a guarantee to pass, especially if there’s deception. The polygraph measures more than just one’s ability to remain calm.
In Conclusion
It’s essential to approach polygraphs with honesty and transparency. All popular techniques circulating on the internet to beat polygraphs are nothing more than myths. Trained examiners can easily detect countermeasures, making these tactics not just ineffective but potentially detrimental. Instead of trying to cheat the system, it’s always best to be forthright and genuine. After all, honesty remains the best policy.
