Accuracy and Validity of Polygraph Testing
Scientific research has shown polygraph examinations to be highly accurate, making them very useful in the criminal justice system. The American Polygraph Association (APA) requires the following to be met before an examination can be considered valid.
- The polygraph examiner must be properly trained and must use an accepted procedure and scoring system.
- The polygraph equipment must record, at a minimum, cardiovascular, respiratory, and electrodermal activity.
The following summarizes research data collected by the APA.
Research | Quantity | Average Accuracy |
Field examinations | 12 studies 2,174 examinations |
98% |
Field examinations (Independent analyses) |
11 studies 1,609 examinations |
92% |
Laboratory simulations | 41 studies 1,787 lab simulations |
80% |
Laboratory simulations (Independent analyses) |
16 studies 810 lab simulations |
81% |