If one has to find the most heinously abused ethical offense made by humanity, lying probably has to top the imaginable list. Why? It takes more than the good old Pinocchio precautionary tale to deter this habit at a very younger age. The habit gets more damaging as kids grow up.
In fact, a 2011 research conducted at the Institute of Child Study at Toronto University has come up with ‘telling’ results: At the age of 4, 90% of the children are already capable of lying. In a related 2002 study performed by the University of Massachusetts, it was concluded that 60% of the adults could not maintain more than ten minutes of a normal conversation without lying at least once.
The inclination for this wrongdoing is so prevalent that people eventually come up with a term to downplay its iniquity. ‘White lies’ like pretending to a friend about already having finished dinner when invited out has become an acceptable practice. Making up excuses over trivial issues is one thing. But horrendous lies such as forging an identity, giving up false testimony during a murder trial or cheating on a spouse have always been the most potent form of corruption that wrecks society at large. It is for this reason that polygraph lie detector tests were fundamentally invented and used, especially for criminal investigations.
This conventional lie detection test has become a recurring theme in movie genres categorized under thriller and crime drama. The subject matter concerning the immorality of lying also takes a light-hearted atmosphere, allowing lie detector test to prevail in some comedy movies (e.g. “Meet the Parents” and “Meet the Fockers”). Standard polygraph lie detector tests guarantee 80% to 90% accuracy in determining the person’s honesty (or the lack of it).
National Average Costs
When it comes to the national average estimate for lie detector test cost, it is important to take note that there are two main types of lie detection exams. Each of these exams has varying assessed fees. In essence, lie detection can either be done at a licensed service facility or at home.
The conventional cost to take a polygraph test facilitated by a licensed polygraphist is anywhere between $200 and $800. These tests ordinarily take no more than two hours. The standard procedure involves a series of questions. Unbeknownst to the interviewed subject, the seemingly random questions are designed to calibrate the physical responses during final questioning. By measuring the heartbeat, respiratory rhythm and reflexes in every fingertip during the last phase of questioning – a polygraphist investigator can interpret whether or not the subject is lying.
Lie detection can also be conducted at home. Home testing units usually vary between the price range of $90 and $700. Unfortunately, many experts do not recommend this alternative considering that it only yields 65% accuracy. A pathological liar can easily come up with a way to bypass it. Unlike measuring devices strapped on the subject’s skin, a voice-stress lie test can interpret transparency based on the meticulously measured tone and frequency of the subject’s voice. Some of these products are usually sold at $89 to $99 each.
Global Polygraph Network
One of the most reliable sources on the internet for finding exact quotations for a lie detector test cost is the Global Polygraph Network. Arguably the world’s largest referral service for private polygraph testing since 1998, this site has detailed information about the exact cost to take a polygraph exam anywhere in the United States, Canada, and several member states of the United Nations. Getting the exact quotation and service providers nearby is relatively very convenient.
Navigation & Details
Upon opening the main page, hover and click at the “Test Location & Prices”. Enter the area zip code at the SEARCH BY ZIPCODE search bar. It immediately features a chart of several locations nearby. Apart from the exact lie detector cost per service provider, this page also indicates the distance mileage and the check-listed columns for availability features such as Sex Offender Testing, Couple Testing Discount, Court Qualification, and EPPA Law Approval.
Before choosing the featured service provider, one may go through a more detailed review of the advertised location by clicking the “Info” button on the middle right section of the table. Quoted prices for each location may vary by a couple hundred dollars.
Scheduling The Test
By clicking the Schedule Exam button at the middle column of the chart, online inquirers may begin providing the complete details of the online registration form. It is important to take note that deposits (as a portion of the featured cost to take a polygraph test) are required and must be duly indicated in the registration form. The reason for taking the exam is also strictly required.
The Future Of Lie Detection
Plenty of lie detector machines that are sold in the global market adapts the standard polygraph and voice-stress program. However, an article recently published by the website called Market Watch on January 28, 2017, features a more sophisticated design aimed at revolutionizing the current method of screening sincerity and deception.
A company called Converus has developed a lie detection tool that painstakingly measures pupil dilation and eye movement as the main vectors for interpreting the veracity of the subject’s statement. It basically functions like a retinal scan and it is purported to yield as much as 85% to 95% accuracy. The main advantage of Converus’ EyeDetect is that it addresses the nuanced ethical difficulties of conducting relatively ‘invasive’ tests using the standard polygraph sensors. Unlike the polygraph, the retinal lie detector test does not require skin contact – a focal point of consideration for discouraging such tests.
According to the report, the EyeDetect has already been used in screening government officials in some Latin American nations. Similar products on the market replicate the same system, although these apps often go with the label “for entertainment purposes only.” As the article was published, EyeDetect has also been circulated for government and law enforcement use. In time, a consumer-friendly product will be launched and widely distributed for civilian purposes.