NCJ Number
157431
Journal
Police Studies Volume: 17 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1994) Pages: 77-88
Date Published
1994
Length
12 pages
Annotation
An initial study of the Scientific Content Analysis (SCAN) technique indicates that it is capable, within limits, of differentiating between probably accurate statements and likely false statements of suspects in criminal investigations.
Abstract
The SCAN technique is based on several fundamental assumptions. The most basic assumption suggests a difference between truthful and deceptive persons. Another assumption is that each of the subject's unassisted words represents important data. Using SCAN criteria, a study was conducted to evaluate 30 written statements voluntarily given by subjects, 25 males and 5 females, immediately prior to the administration of a criminal investigative polygraph examination. The SCAN technique assessed statement validity by circling or noting through a color code the location of SCAN criteria within the statement transcript. The SCAN technique appeared to be reasonably accurate and compared favorably with other lie detection techniques, in particular the polygraph examination. Further research is recommended to refine the definition of SCAN criteria and the scoring system used in the analysis. 23 references and 4 tables