Jump directly to the content

LIE detector tests have become more and more frequent on TV - with programmes such as The Jeremy Kyle Show and Love Island making use of the devices.

But how exactly do polygraph machines work? And how accurate are they? Here is all the info.

 Lie detectors are also known as polygraph tests and use questioning techniques along with technology to record physiological functions to get the truth
3
Lie detectors are also known as polygraph tests and use questioning techniques along with technology to record physiological functions to get the truthCredit: Alamy

How do lie detector tests work?

During a test a number of sensors are attached to the body in an attempt to determine whether someone is telling the truth.

Physiological changes can then be used to determine whether someone is telling the truth.

The polygraph records blood pressure, pulse, respiration and skin conductivity while the subject responds to a series of questions.

A major change in any pattern, also known as a "response conflict", is a sign a person is lying.

The test measures signs of stress including raised blood pressure, heart rate and galvanic skin response (GSR).

The polygraph was invented in 1921 by medical student John Augustus Larson.

 Kyle has been a mainstay of the ITV schedules since joining the network in 2005 and was on a £2million a year deal
3
Kyle has been a mainstay of the ITV schedules since joining the network in 2005 and was on a £2million a year dealCredit: Getty - Contributor

On ITV's The Jeremy Kyle Show polygraph lie detectors were used as a way for guests to prove or disprove a contentious issue.

A former producer on the show has claimed the results were sometimes faked to make them more dramatic.

The ex-producer told The Sun: “The show was an absolute circus.

“If a lie detector test was 50/50, it would be up to the producer to decide a result.

“There was massive pressure from above to just go with the most dramatic result — with no regard for the damage it could do to someone’s life. The culture was totally toxic."

How accurate are polygraphs?

While they are not 100 per cent accurate, they are said to have a high accuracy level.

Evidence from lie detectors is generally not accepted in criminal court in the US and most of Europe.

However, probation officers in the UK reportedly use polygraphs to monitor serious sex offenders.

Problems arise if the person is fearful, angry or surprised as that can influence the results.

People have found ways to try and cheat the system by taking sedatives or using deodorant.

The devices were often featured on ITV's The Jeremy Kyle Show to determine if guests were telling the truth or not.

TV executives though have now axed the popular programme after Steve Dymond, 63, was found dead having failed a love rat lie detector test having appeared on the show

 Camilla lied during her lie detector test on Love Island
3
Camilla lied during her lie detector test on Love IslandCredit: ITV

Is the Love Island lie detector real?

In the days before the Love Island 2017 final, the couples were made to take a lie detector test – and the feature proved so popular it returned the following year.

Following multiple claims from ex-contestants that the test was fake, a rep for Love Island told The Sun Online that the lie detector test and its results are "completely genuine".

The girls were asked a series of questions put forward by the boys and the results were played back to the house.

Naturally, the probing questions caused a few rows among the Islanders.

Viewers were left fearing for Marcel Somerville and branded Gabby Allen as "fake" after she was asked whether Marcel is "The One".

She answered yes, and it was proved to be a lie, and when asked whether she really loved Marcel she answered no, which was picked up as true.

Camilla Thurlow was also caught out as the test proved she has been concealing her true feelings for model Jamie Jewitt.

During the test, Camilla was revealed to be lying when she said she thought she and Jamie were "compatible".

In the days after the Love Island final, The Sun Online revealed that Jeremy Kyle was going to offer Mike Thalassitis big money to take a polygraph test to prove whether or not he slept with Jessica Shears after leaving the villa.

On July 22, 2018, it was announced that the new cast will be facing the lie detector test.

The episode aired on July 23 - and it wasn't short on fireworks!

Fans were left devastated after Dani and Jack had their first on-screen row.

Fincham's results came up as negative when he was asked whether he would be tempted outside the villa, and despite telling the truth that he loves her, wants to start a family with her and sees himself being with her forever, Dani Dyer was gutted by this one result after past heartbreak.

The test also left Megan Barton-Hanson doubting whether Wes Nelson is embarrassed to take her home to his parents.

Meanwhile, Dr Alex George's reaction to Alexandra Cane's questions resulted in her doubting his attraction to her and Jack Fowler's brutally honest answers might have passed the polygraph, but they didn't sit well with Laura Crane.

Love Island fans claim this moment proves the lie detector results were false but is it down to the test or producers?
Topics