The Truth in the Lie: Can you beat TRUTHMACHINE?

Invented in 1921 by a Californian police chief, the science behind the polygraph machine has been debated since its creation.

Also known as a lie detector, the polygraph measures the physical responses of a person as they are asked a series of questions. The idea behind the polygraph is that when a person lies, they experience increased stress, resulting in changes in heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and sweat. The polygraph measures these responses through a series of sensors and records the results on a chart.

To take a polygraph test, the subject being tested is hooked up to the polygraph’s sensors and their baseline physiological responses are recorded. This involves the examiner asking the test subject a series of control questions. Control questions are usually quite simple, like name and address, and are expected to be answered truthfully. How the subject responds physically to the simple questions becomes their ‘baseline’.

After the control questions, the examiner asks a series of questions that relate to whatever they are investigating. These questions are designed to elicit a stress response if the subject is lying, like increased heart rate, excessive sweating, increased breathing. Finally, the examiner asks more questions both on the subject and control questions to confirm or disprove the results of the investigative questions.

Some experts argue that polygraph tests can be influenced by a number of factors, with some people able to control their physical responses enough to deceive the polygraph machine.

If you’ve ever wanted to give it a try, you’re in luck. TRUTHMACHINE features during World Science Festival Brisbane‘s newest night time science soiree, Social Science. Using real biometric sensors and live voting systems, TRUTHMACHINE seeks out truth in a world of fake news and alternative facts. Presented by Counterpilot, TRUTHMACHINE is a multi-award winning theatrical social experiment experience.

The only question left to answer is: Can you handle TRUTHMACHINE?

Find out at World Science Festival Brisbane‘s Social Science on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 March. Tickets from $55. For more information and to book, visit the event page.