Comparison Between Decision Accuracy Rates Obtained Using the Polygraph Instrument and the Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) in the Absence of Jeopardy

• NCJ Number: 196935
• Journal: Polygraph Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: 2000 Pages: 87-95
• Author(s): Victor L. Cestaro
• Editor(s): Deedra Senter
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 9 pages
• Grant Number(s): DoDPI94-P-0027
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Defense Polygraph Institute
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Through an experiment, this study evaluated the Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) in a laboratory test by attempting to determine if accuracy rates obtained using the CVSA instrument and procedures differed from those obtained using the traditional polygraph.

Abstract

The Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA), developed by the National Institute for Truth Verification (NITV), is based on the older Psychological Stress Evaluator. Controlled laboratory research has not been conducted to test reliability or validity of the CVSA instrument. In addition, there are no indications that it meets or exceeds the accuracy rates of the traditional polygraph instrument. This study was designed to evaluate the decision accuracy and agreement rates obtained using the traditional polygraph instrument and the CVSA in a laboratory test. Forty-two subjects recruited from the U.S. Army training command at Fort McClellan and a local civilian contract agency participated in the study. The standardized Department of Defense Polygraph Institute (DoDPI) acquaintance test, using a Known Solution Peak of Tension (POT) test was employed for subject testing. They were assigned to two groups; one tested with the polygraph instrument first followed by CVSA testing. The other group was tested with the CVSA first, then the polygraph instrument. Experiment results suggest that under the test conditions used the CVSA was less sensitive to psychophysiological reactivity than the traditional polygraph instrument. The accuracy of examiner decisions concerning subject veracity obtained using the polygraph instrument and procedures was significantly greater than both chance and that obtained using the CVSA instrument. The accuracy of examiner decisions concerning subject veracity obtained using the CVSA instrument and procedures was not significantly greater than chance. In summary, the interrater agreement for the CVSA and polygraph instrument and procedures were relatively high and significantly better than chance. This suggests that the accuracy rate difference is attributed to instrument and/or procedure sensitivity. References