Administering polygraph exams has become a common way to detect deception. The tests are particularly popular with law enforcement, often used to prove whether a suspect is innocent or guilty.
Indeed, cases abound where polygraph findings helped turn criminal investigations around. Noteworthy mentions include the 1997 Sean Corbett case, the 2005 murder of Jessica Lunsford, and the 2008 Weletka Murders.
Besides criminal investigations, polygraphs have found their way into therapeutic settings, helping in relationship counseling and addiction therapy. These tests are also administered in the corporate world as part of pre-employment screening, in sporting federations to screen for banned substances, in government contracting procedures, etc.
The versatility of polygraphs has had some proponents citing the technique as a potential intervention for detecting sociopathy.
But how true are these claims? Let’s find out.
What Is Sociopathy?
Sociopathy is a severe form of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) characterized by behavioral deviancies.
Sociopaths – individuals who suffer from sociopathy – usually exhibit unwarranted aggression towards others. They can be unjustifiably domineering, which inhibits their ability to forge and maintain meaningful relationships.
Sociopaths are also infamous for their rebellious nature. They get their kicks from not only going against cultural norms but also breaking the law. However, they are not difficult to test, as long as they understand that there are consequences of being caught in the act they are accused of.
By now, you’re probably wondering if you can administer a lie detector test to a sociopath.
It’s possible to subject sociopaths to polygraph tests and obtain credible findings on their potential involvement in a crime. They don’t need remorse or guilt, but they do need “fear of consequences” for the exam process to function properly.
Common Traits of a Sociopath
Sociopathy presents a broad spectrum of symptoms. The most notable ones include:
1. Social Deviance
Most sociopaths are social deviants who delight in disobeying societal rules. They believe that going against established norms gives them some form of aura and satisfaction.
2. Unjustified Hostility
Sociopaths are inherently hostile. Their antisocial tendencies often see them exhibit aggression and ruthlessness toward others, particularly in the pursuit of their selfish goals.
3. Manipulation
While sociopaths lack basic empathy, they’re masters at appealing to other people’s good nature.
This trait makes it possible to control their emotional and even physiological responses, potentially enabling them to beat polygraph tests that aren’t professionally administered.
4. Emotional Detachment
Sociopaths are emotionally absent.
Sometimes they act weirdly calm in anxious situations. Other times, they exhibit undue nervousness without apparent reason.
5. Crave for Dominance
The need to be in charge is another tell-tale sign of sociopaths. While we can say the same about most parents and managers, sociopaths crave dominance for all the wrong reasons.
Due to a sociopath’s malevolent desire to take charge, polygraph examiners must tread carefully while preparing them for lie detector tests. Help the individual follow all the rules right from the pre-test phase, constantly reminding them that they don’t call the shots.
6. Immoral Conscience
Individuals with sociopathy lack a moral conscience. While they may be aware of the depravity of their actions, they pretty much don’t care
Can You Polygraph A Sociopath?
Polygraphs detect deception by tracking changes to involuntary physiological functions like heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and skin conductivity. These processes are regulated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
Research has found that lying can arouse the ANS, leading to noticeable spikes in respiration, cardiovascular activity, and skin conductance.
Now, the core symptoms of sociopathy make it exceedingly difficult to polygraph sociopaths.
Note that sociopaths are inherently devious. As deception is pretty much ingrained in their personality, they can lie without necessarily arousing their autonomic nervous system. That makes it difficult for polygraph machines to record significant deviations from their physiological baselines.
But with proper safeguards, you can effectively polygraph a sociopath.
Tips for Polygraphing Sociopaths
1. Select an Experienced Examiner
Examiner experience is the most critical consideration when determining whether to polygraph a sociopath or not.
When choosing a polygrapher, insist on an examiner who graduated from an APA (American Polygraph Association)-approved school.
2. Understand The Sociopath’s Condition’s Severity
Sociopathy is a wide spectrum that varies considerably in scope. While individuals with milder forms of the condition may be polygraphed, we cannot say the same about true sociopaths.
A professional assessment from a behavioral therapist is necessary before subjecting a sociopath to a lie detector test.
3. Follow Question Design Rules
A professional examiner would already understand the industry’s guidelines on polygraph question design.
Although sociopaths lack empathy, the framing of lie detector questions might prick their conscience and somehow get them to respond truthfully.
Lifting a Sociopath’s Veil: The Role of Polygraphs
Sociopaths typically don’t exhibit emotional responses to lying, making it challenging to catch them in a lie through polygraph evaluations. However, the credibility of sociopath lie detector tests depends on the examiner’s experience. If you’re planning to administer a polygraph on an individual with antisocial personality disorder, insist on having it conducted by a qualified examiner.
Select a polygrapher who graduated from an accredited school and is licensed to practice in their relevant jurisdictions. It’s even better if the examiner has a track record of polygraphing mentally challenged subjects like sociopaths.
