Centre for Forensic Neuroscience
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The CFN Journal

Expert Insights & Analysis

Articles detailing the intersection of Forensic Psychophysiology, Investigative Psychology and Cyber Psychology.

Reference

Polygraph & Forensic Glossary

A plain-English reference covering polygraph examinations, credibility assessment, scoring methods, question design, and UK risk-management terminology.

Comparison Question Test (CQT)
A common polygraph format in which reactions to relevant questions are compared with reactions to comparison questions.
Concealed Information Test (CIT)
A recognition-based test format designed to determine whether an examinee recognises crime-relevant or otherwise concealed information.
Electrodermal Activity (EDA)
Electrical activity of the skin associated with sweat gland activity and sympathetic nervous system activation. One of the principal channels in polygraph recording.
Countermeasure
A deliberate physical, mental, or behavioural strategy used by an examinee to alter physiological responses or interfere with test interpretation.
Blind Chart Analysis
Independent evaluation of polygraph recordings by a qualified examiner who has no knowledge of case facts, examinee behaviour, or the original examiner’s opinion.
Forensic Psychophysiology
The application of psychophysiological principles, methods, and measurements to legal, investigative, or forensic questions.
Directed-Lie Comparison Question
A comparison question in which the examinee is instructed to answer falsely. The directed lie provides a controlled comparison stimulus.
Ground Truth
Independently verified information about what actually happened or whether an examinee is truthful, deceptive, knowledgeable, or not knowledgeable.
Inconclusive Result
A result that does not meet criteria for a definitive classification. Causes may include weak differential response, artefacts, or scoring thresholds.
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