NCJ Number
172191
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 27 Issue: 1 Dated: (1998) Pages: 28-34
Date Published
1998
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The accuracy of the Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) instrument and associated processes for the detection of deception was assessed by using a mock theft scenario.
Abstract
A total of 109 subjects were randomly assigned to two groups and given detection-of-deception examinations with a CVSA instrument. Subjects in one group were programmed deceptive and participated in taking $100 from a metal box located in a scenario room. The non-deceptive group did not participate in the scenarios nor did they have knowledge of the mock theft. Four trained and certified CVSA examiners conducted the examinations with the use of a CVSA technique called the Modified Zone of Comparison test. CVSA test chart evaluators, who had not participated in the study and were "blind" to subject programming, obtained an overall accuracy of 49.8 percent. Administering CVSA examiners correctly identified 53 of the 109 subjects (48.6 percent) as either deceptive or non-deceptive. More deceptive subjects were correctly identified by examiners than non-deceptive subjects (32 of 55 compared to 21 of 54); however, decisions were not significantly different from chance in either case. 10 references