I have always wondered how "lie detectors" work. How is it possible that a machine can know whether or not what I am saying is true, and more so, how can it be proven? While reading chapter 11, I learned that these so called "lie detectors" are truly not proven to be completely accurate. In fact, the most common, the Polygraph test, simply measures when the receiver is aroused. These two are not always connected, and furthermore, there are many ways to fool the machine.
It appears to me that there is no way to be completely sure whether someone is lying or speaking the truth. While there are physical mannerisms and brain waves that can signal arousal, there is nothing that can directly detect lying. Lying vs. the truth is one of the biggest mysteries out there, because with what we know now, there is no way for it to be certainly proven. Will this mystery ever be solved?
Favorite Blogs:
1. Can Money Buy Happiness? by bauer511. I really liked how they used a real experiment to describe what they were talking about. The concept of "buying happiness" is very intriguing.
2. lipsticks, eye shadow, mascara...worthy stuff? by araxx003. I liked the image they chose of the same woman, one image with make up and one without. It is eye-opening to the point that women these days can and do transform themselves to appear attractive, and also to help their confidence. Is this a healthy way to live?
3. Are you my mother? malon271. I enjoyed this post because this topic interested me while I was reading the textbook. It is so mind-boggling how a goose could really believe a person is its mother.
