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 Even if polygraphs worked flawlessly, they're impractical. That's why those who need to be able to spot liars rely on their training and instincts. A recent study from the journal Psychological Science tested the lie-detecting abilities of CIA agents, judges, psychologists and police officers, folks who rely on differentiating fact from fiction more than other professionals. The study found that cops guessed right 50 percent of the time – about the same as most people. Judges scored slightly better at 62 percent. Psychologists, who need to assess whether patients are telling the truth so they can make safe recommendations about treatments, scored between 62 percent and 68 percent. Only CIA agents who received special training in reading expressions and gestures scored significantly higher, spotting liars 73 percent of the time.
Last updated January 19, 2000
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