Emotions play a significant role in our lives, dictating our reactions and influencing our decisions. Tears, in particular, often serve as an external representation of our emotional state. However, while tears might help heal the heart, they might just pose challenges when it comes to polygraph testing.
Harvard Medical School claims that crying can be a balm for both our emotional and physical wounds. Yet, what happens if those tears fall during a polygraph test? Would they distort the readings? Let’s dive into the watery world of tears and polygraphs.
The Physiology of Crying During a Polygraph
Polygraph tests, often dubbed “lie detector tests,” gauge various physiological parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate to determine the veracity of the subject’s answers. Here’s the twist: crying affects these very parameters.
For one, crying can cause physiological surges. As you weep, your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate might spike. Such elevations, even if momentary, can paint a picture of deception on the polygraph, potentially portraying an honest individual as deceitful.
Furthermore, those undergoing a polygraph must maintain stillness to ensure accuracy. The emotional upheaval that accompanies crying can cause unintentional movements. Consequently, these movements can interfere with the sensors’ readings, further compromising the test’s integrity.
The Pre-test Protocols and Tears
Before a polygraph test begins, a pre-test phase is conducted. This phase acquaints the examinee with the procedure and lays down certain ground rules to ensure accuracy. One of these is the critical importance of remaining still. If you’ve ever visited a physician’s clinic, the advice to remain still while measuring your vitals is commonplace. The same holds for a polygraph.
Crying as a Countermeasure? Think Again
With the plethora of information available online, some individuals might be tempted to use crying as a strategy to skew the test results. But is it a feasible countermeasure?
While it’s true that altering one’s physiological responses can impact the test’s outcome, intentional crying isn’t the most discreet or effective tactic. In fact, seasoned polygraph examiners can easily discern genuine emotional reactions from deliberate attempts to manipulate the test. Should they suspect any intentional disruptions, including crying, they might just halt the test altogether.
A Time and Place for Everything, Even Tears
While the therapeutic value of crying is undeniable, a polygraph test might not be the best stage for this emotional release. Those taking the test are advised to shed their tears either before or after the exam to ensure the test’s accuracy.
To sum up, while tears are a natural human response, their timing can influence specific scenarios like a polygraph test. It’s always wise to be aware of the circumstances and act accordingly. Whether you’re seeking truth through a machine or within oneself, clarity is key, and sometimes, that means holding back those tears for just a little while.
