Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Forensische Psychophysiologie / Español: Psicofisiología Forense / Português: Psicofisiologia Forense / Français: Psychophysiologie Judiciaire / Italiano: Psicofisiologia Forense /

Forensic Psychophysiology means recording stress in deception with a polygraph device.

Forensic psychophysiology is a subfield of forensic psychology that involves the use of physiological measures to investigate criminal behavior, deception, and other relevant psychological phenomena. Here are some examples of the use of forensic psychophysiology in various contexts:

1. Polygraph testing: One of the most well-known applications of forensic psychophysiology is the use of polygraph tests, also known as lie detector tests. Polygraph testing involves measuring physiological responses, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, while a person answers questions. The results of the test are then used to determine whether the person is telling the truth.

2. Eye-tracking: Another technique used in forensic psychophysiology is eye-tracking, which involves measuring the movement of a person's eyes as they view a stimulus, such as a video or image. Eye-tracking can be used to determine what parts of a stimulus a person is paying attention to, which can be useful in investigations of criminal behavior, witness testimony, and other areas.

3. Brain imaging: Advances in neuroimaging technologies have led to the use of brain imaging in forensic psychophysiology. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and other techniques can be used to examine brain activity associated with specific psychological states or processes, such as deception or decision-making.

4. Heart rate variability: Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of the variation in time between heartbeats. HRV can be used to examine the relationship between physiological arousal and psychological states, such as anxiety or stress. In forensic psychophysiology, HRV may be used to investigate the psychological responses of witnesses, victims, or suspects.

5. Skin conductance: Skin conductance, also known as electrodermal activity, measures the electrical conductance of the skin, which is influenced by sweat gland activity. Skin conductance can be used to measure physiological responses associated with emotional arousal, such as fear or excitement. In forensic psychophysiology, skin conductance may be used to examine the emotional responses of witnesses or suspects.

Overall, forensic psychophysiology is a rapidly growing field that involves the use of physiological measures to investigate a range of psychological phenomena. These measures can be used to examine responses to specific stimuli or psychological states, and can provide valuable information in criminal investigations, witness testimony, and other areas of forensic psychology.