Why are lie detectors still used so much on talk shows?

Question

Unless I am mistaken on there being years of academic consensus that these devices are not reliable, how is it that a person like Maury Povich countinues to get away with what may be defamation and contributing unecessarily to the instability and possible end of relationships? Will there ever be a point when the audiences for these shows wake up to the negative view of the polygraph and respect them and the possible innocense of the guests tested on that machine?

Is it all just ignorance, and is that enough of an excuse after so much time? I have know the polygraph to be faulty for at least 3 years, maybe 5.

*known. It's just so unethical to me.

J. T. N
Your insult is weakly based and would not be so bad if not for that fact.

You know nothing of my overall viewing habits, you merely claim that I indulge in such programming (perhaps you mean to say regularly), as Mr. Pauvich's, because of my knowledge of the continued use of the polygraph in some episodes of television programs like his. Besides, my occasional viewing of them proves nothing against my intelligence.

You declare me to be an idiot, but fail to seriously challenge my contention, suggesting that perhaps you cannot. Is my question stupid, too? Did you miss my caveat that I could be mistaken about the consensus I assert exists?.

I suggest that next time you want to insult someone with whom you disagree, stick with someone who actually is stupid enough to cower before such poor reasoning as you demonstrated in your answer.

You would have beeen better off just having called me an idiot without explaining why you think I am.

Here's an interesting page I looked over a bit. If correct, I might have been wrongly critical of the polygraph, but I remain skeptical.

Forgot to put it in: http://www.truthorlie.com/

http://www.psychologymatters.org/polygraphs.html

Answer 1

Because it makes for good television. There is still a widespread belief that lie detectors actually predict whether a person is telling the truth or not and the fact that some government agencies still use them (ie. CIA) makes people further believe it works. Also, people don't realize that all the polygraph does is measure physiological activity and the changes of that behavior

Answer 2

YOUR questioning the reliability of the polygraph machine based on "academic consensus" when YOU indulge in b*llsh*t cr*p on
television like Maury Povich? YOU have got alot of "waking up" to do yourself! Idiot!

Answer 3

Lie detectors are a valuable tool as a first cut for law enforcement. While the results can not be used in court, I'd guess that they're over 98% accurate.

They're not admissible in court since they are not 100% accurate, and jurors may still think they are, -no matter what the judge advices. Also, a little thing in the Constitution about "self-incrimination", ie "I'm taking the 5th (amendment)".

Answer 4

Why do the adult males on Maury always say that the toddler won't be able to be theirs, even inspite of the actuality that they recognize that they had unprotected sex with the lady and the try outcomes are coming excellent after the smash? there is in all likelihood already sufficient techniques (information in yours, a paternity try at any hospital in my party). the outcome will be an similar regardless. i'm particular they get some style of charge for being on the instruct.

Answer 5

Have you seen the people on the Maury show? I'm pretty sure they would believe anything. It also boosts ratings.