Polygraph and Lie detecting Machines Reading Answers

Aug 21, 2024

The topic discussed is an academic reading answers topic. Polygraph and Lie detecting machines Reading Answers has a total of 8 IELTS questions in total. You have to choose the correct option for the statements. In the next section, you have to tell whether the statement is true or false.

Candidates should read the IELTS Reading passage thoroughly to recognize synonyms, identify keywords, and answer the questions below. IELTS Reading practice papers feature topics such as Polygraph and Lie detecting machines Reading Answers. Candidates can use IELTS reading practice questions and answers to enhance their performance in the reading section.

Section 1

POLYGRAPH AND LIE DETECTING MACHINES

In the 20th century, lie detection took on scientific aspects with the development of techniques that use measures of physiological responses as indicators of deception. The best known of these is the polygraph This technique, which relies on physiological measurements developed early in the century, has become for many in the U.S. law enforcement and intelligence communities (including counterintelligence officials in several agencies) the most valued method for identifying criminals, spies and saboteurs when direct evidence is lacking. Polygraph tests are often called 'lie detector' tests. While they can't read your mind to see if you're lying, they measure physiological changes such as heart and perspiration rate, to determine if you may have become nervous when being asked a certain question. This may indicate that you aren't telling the truth or are covering up something. Modern polygraph specialists use two types of machines to conduct their tests.

General Operation: All polygraph tests operate in the same general way. The specialist will attach a cuff to the upper arm to record blood pressure and will affix two small metal devices to the fingers to monitor perspiration activity. There may be straps placed around the abdomen to measure breathing rate as well. Testing is comprised of three sections: pre-test, chart collection and test data analysis. No polygraph testing instruments include the use of voice stress analysis.

Conventional Instruments: Conventional test machines also known as analog instruments are still sometimes used for testing, although they are diminishing in popularity as compared to computerized versions. The analog instruments used a complex 'box' with a series of switches and dials, a roll of chart paper, and moving pens to record changes in physiological measurements. The examiner would then need to read all of these papers, recording which questions were asked and when to determine whether the noted changes indicated a lie. Problems with this system included ink shortage, paper tears, and discrepancies resulting from initial pen placement.

Computerized Instruments: New technology has allowed for the development of computerized polygraph tests, rendering analog equipment nearly obsolete. Rather than wasting paper and time fiddling with the conventional equipment, examiners now use programs such as those created by Axciton Systems and Stoelting Company to record and decipher all measurements on their portable computer screens. The system will usually have options to view the test results on-screen or printed out and may have composite options with chart-scoring as well. While polygraph enthusiasts argue that the computerized versions have immense improvements over their older analog counterparts, anti-polygraph activists maintain that the same and other issues are still there such as ease of 'beating' the test using physiologic: modifiers.

Questions 15-17

Write the appropriate letter, A-D.

15. Polygraph cannot be used to identify which of the

following options?

A. Criminals

B. Thieves

C. Spies

D. Saboteurs

Answer: B

Supporting statement: “.......Polygraph tests are often called 'lie detector' tests. While they can't read your mind to see if you're lying, they measure physiological changes such as heart and perspiration rate.......”

Keywords: heart, perspiration

Keyword Location: para 1, Line 6-7

Explanation: The passage mentions that polygraph tests are used by law enforcement and intelligence communities to identify criminals, spies, and saboteurs. Thieves are not specifically mentioned, making "thieves" the correct answer.

16. Which of the following will a specialist not do to perform a polygraph test?

A. Record blood pressure

B. Monitor perspiration activity.

C. Measure breathing rate

C. Voice stress analysis.

Answer: D

Supporting statement: “......No polygraph testing instruments include the use of voice stress analysis........”

Keywords: polygraph, instruments

Keyword Location: para 2, Line 6

Explanation: The passage explicitly states that polygraph testing instruments do not include voice stress analysis. Therefore, other options like recording blood pressure, and monitoring perspiration activity.

17. Which of the following is not a part of the conventional method of testing?

A. Two small metal devices

B. A series of switches and dials

C. A roll of chart paper

D. Moving pens

Answer: A

Supporting statement: “.......Conventional test machines also known as analog instruments are still sometimes used for testing, although they are diminishing in popularity as compared to computerized versions.......”

Keywords: sometimes, computerized

Keyword Location: para 3, Line 2-4

Explanation: The conventional method of polygraph testing is described as using analog instruments with switches, dials, chart paper, and moving pens. The "two small metal devices" mentioned are part of the general operation of a polygraph test, not specific to the conventional analog method

Questions 18-22

Do the following statements agree with

the information given in the text above? Write

TRUE - if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE - if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN - if there is no information on this

18. Polygraph tests are effective in detecting nervous excitement

Answer: TRUE

Keywords: heart, rate

Keyword Location: para 1, Line 6-7

Explanation: The passage indicates that polygraph tests measure physiological responses like heart rate and perspiration, which can be indicators of nervous excitement. This makes the statement true because detecting such physiological changes is an integral part of how polygraph tests work.

19. The possibility of physiological manipulation of results of a polygraph makes it mendacious

Answer: TRUE

Supporting statement: “.......While polygraph enthusiasts argue that the computerized versions have immense improvements over their older analog counterparts, anti-polygraph activists maintain.......”

Keywords: polygraph, activists

Keyword Location: para 4, Line 6-8

Explanation: The text acknowledges that despite advancements in polygraph technology, there are still concerns about the possibility of manipulating or "beating" the test through physiological modifications.

20. 'Lie detector' is the eke-name for the polygon test

Answer: TRUE

Supporting statement: “.......Polygraph tests are often called 'lie detector' tests.......”

Keywords: Polygraph, detector

Keyword Location: para 1, Line 5

Explanation: The passage directly states that polygraph tests are often referred to as "lie detector" tests. This makes the statement true as it confirms that "lie detector" is another name for a polygraph test.

21. Chart scoring methods are not used in unison technologies to conduct lie testing.

Answer: FALSE

Supporting statement: “.......The system will usually have options to view the test results on-screen or printed out, and may have composite options with chart-scoring as well.......”

Keywords: screen, composite

Keyword Location: para 4, Line 5-6

Explanation: The text clearly mentions that computerized polygraph systems often include options for chart-scoring. This means that chart-scoring is indeed a part of these technologies, making the statement false.

22. An interrogation by a psycho-physiological expert is a part of a polygraph test.

Answer: NOT GIVEN

Explanation: The text does not provide any information on whether an interrogation by a psycho-physiological expert is included in the polygraph test process, making this statement not given.

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