The Autonomic Nervous System and Deception Detection

Autonomic Nervous System

A part of the nervous system responsible for involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion.

Deception

The act of misleading or hiding the truth.

Behavioral Assessment

The evaluation of observable actions and reactions to determine truthfulness.

Ordeal

A severe test or trial, historically used to determine guilt or innocence.

Hypnotism

A state of focused attention and increased suggestibility often used in therapeutic contexts.

Truth Serum

A drug, such as Byosine Hydrobromide, administered to induce a state of delirium where truthful responses are expected.

Narco-Analysis

A psychological technique where sedatives are used to induce a state of relaxation and facilitate questioning.

Psychological Stress Evaluator

A device that measures stress levels in a person's voice to detect deception.

Polygraph

An instrument that measures physiological responses, such as heart rate and breathing patterns, to assess truthfulness.

Counter-questioning

A tactic used to divert attention or evade a query, often seen in deceptive behavior.

Deceptive Posture

Body language that indicates defensiveness or dishonesty, such as leaning back or crossing arms.

Trial by Combat

An ancient legal method where the accuser and accused fought, determining guilt based on the outcome of the fight.

Trial of the Eucharist

A method used to determine guilt among clergy, where a divine sign would indicate innocence or guilt.

Galvanometer

An instrument used to measure electric currents; used in polygraphs to monitor physiological responses.

Sphygmomanometer

A device used to measure blood pressure; associated with studies on fear and heart influence.