Test of a Mock Theft Scenario for Use in the Psychophysiological Detection of Deception: I.
Abstract
The Zone Comparison Test (ZCT), a psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) test, was administered to 20 subjects who were programmed to be deceptive or non-deceptive. This pilot study was designed to determine the effectiveness of the coin theft as a mock crime scenario for laboratory tests with the ZCT. The scenario instructions and pretest were videotaped. The test questions were presented using digitized voice. PDD tests were blind-evaluated by two independent scorers using the 3 position, ZCT scoring method. The frequencies of accurate determinations were compared using proportionality tests. The scorers rendered a decision in 62% of the cases, and were unable to reach a decision (inconclusive calls) in 38% of the cases. When inconclusives were excluded, the average accuracy was 84%, significantly better than chance (p < .05). Neither scorer achieved an accuracy rate better than chance level. Interrater agreement was found to be nonsignificant (Kappa for multiple raters, p > .05). Despite the high accuracy rate found when inconclusives were excluded, the inconclusive rate and low interrater agreement rates suggest that this is not an effective laboratory mock crime procedure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA318988
Entities
People
- Eben M. Ingram
Organizations
- United States Department of Defense