What Is NAS Report?
NAS Report (National Academy of Sciences, 2003) is a legal concept related to polygraph testing. A comprehensive review of polygraph science published by the U.S. National Research Council titled The Polygraph and Lie Detection. The NAS report acknowledged that polygraph testing can discriminate between deceptive and truthful individuals at rates above chance, but raised concerns about the theoretical basis, specificity in low base-rate screening populations, and the potential for countermeasures. The report has been both cited and critiqued by polygraph researchers.
Legal Context and Significance
The legal framework surrounding polygraph testing varies significantly by jurisdiction. In the United States, the admissibility of polygraph evidence is governed by either the Daubert standard (in federal courts and many state courts) or the Frye standard (in some remaining state courts). The Employee Polygraph Protection Act regulates the use of polygraph testing in private-sector employment.
Understanding these legal standards is essential for examiners, attorneys, and anyone involved in cases where polygraph evidence may be presented. The legal status of polygraph testing continues to evolve as the scientific evidence base grows and courts reconsider historical positions.
Practical Implications
For examinees considering a lie detector test, understanding the legal context is important for setting appropriate expectations. The legal weight of polygraph results depends heavily on the jurisdiction, the purpose of the examination, and whether the results are stipulated (agreed upon by both parties in advance) or un-stipulated. A qualified, APA-member examiner can provide guidance on how results may be used in specific legal contexts.
Related Terms
Understanding NAS Report in context requires familiarity with several related polygraph concepts:
See also: Daubert Standard, EPPA, Evidentiary Testing, Frye Standard, Federal Polygraph Programmes, Licensure.
Further Reading
For more information on polygraph terminology and the science of lie detection, explore the full Polygraph Glossary with over 250 defined terms. Visit the Polygraph Examiner Hub for professional resources, the research database for published polygraph studies, or learn how a polygraph works if you are preparing for an examination.
Key Takeaways
NAS Report is an important concept within the field of Deception">Psychophysiological Detection of Deception. Whether you are a polygraph examiner, student at an APA-accredited training programme, legal professional evaluating polygraph evidence, or a private individual preparing for a lie detector test, understanding this term and its relationship to other polygraph concepts will help you navigate the field with greater confidence and knowledge.
The science of polygraph testing has evolved significantly over more than 100 years, from the early work of William Moulton Marston and Leonarde Keeler to today’s digital instruments and validated scoring algorithms. Every term in this glossary represents a piece of that scientific and professional heritage. For a comprehensive overview, visit the Polygraph Examiner Hub or use our examiner selection guide to find a certified examiner near you.