From a Rigid Cover to an Elastic One Via a Blanket too Short. An Adaptive Polygraph Approach

Abstract

Abstract The Polygraph test or the Psychophysiological Detection of Deception is a short blanket that cannot cover everything without paying in errors; a clever polygraph examiner and a wise usage of polygraph must make a choice whether to cover the feet or the head with this short blanket and conduct the examination accordingly. But a wiser approach should look to turn the short blanket into an elastic cover that can deal differently with different people and different situations. Following two-three decades of blessed efforts to develop strict standardization in the field, the time has come to start steering the polygraph ship back to greater flexibility and creativity, this time relying on scientific thinking and knowledge. Thus, contrary to the existing trend in the field, I call to drive modern Polygraphy towards developing a scientifically based approach that follows the motto of “Different Things to Different People and Different Situations”. In other words, I call for developing an adaptive approach or Adaptive Polygraphy. The Relevant Issue Gravity (RIG) Theory (Ginton, 2009) is presented here as a major theoretical and practical carrier for evolving and shaping the Adaptive Polygraphy. The article analyzes the current situation and draws some lines to follow in developing an Adaptive Polygraphy approach.