The polygraph "lie detector" is based on the assumption that a person who is guilty and fearful will have
A) increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system.
B) increased activity of the Cannon-Bard pathway.
C) increased activity of the autonomic nervous system.
D) increased activity in the hippocampus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The polygraph measures autonomic nervous system activity, specifically changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating, which are presumed to increase when a person lies or is fearful. The parasympathetic nervous system is not typically associated with fear or deception. The Cannon-Bard pathway and hippocampus are not directly relevant to the physiological responses measured by the polygraph.

The Polygraph "Lie Detector" Is Based on the Assumption That