Truth Verification Terminology
The truth verification industry uses specific terminology and acronyms that professionals and clients should understand. This comprehensive guide explains the most common terms used in polygraph testing, voice stress analysis, and related fields.
Voice Stress Analysis (VSA) Terms
VSA
Voice Stress Analysis
Technology that analyzes micro-tremors and energy in the human voice to detect psychological stress associated with deception.
FVAS
Forensic Voice Analysis System
Advanced voice stress analysis software system used for professional truth verification examinations.
DVSA
Digital Voice Stress Analysis
Advanced voice stress analysis software system used for professional truth verification examinations mainly in the US.
CVSA
Computer Voice Stress Analyzer
Computer-based voice stress analysis system used by some law enforcement mainly in the US.
LVA
Layered Voice Analysis
Voice analysis technology that examines multiple layers of vocal patterns to detect emotional states and stress.
Polygraph Terms
DI
Deception Indicated
Test result indicating that deception was detected during the examination process.
NDI
No Deception Indicated
Test result indicating that no deception was detected during the examination.
INC
Inconclusive
Test result where no definitive determination of truth or deception could be made.
CQT
Comparison Question Test
Standard polygraph testing format that compares relevant questions to control questions.
GKT
Guilty Knowledge Test
Polygraph test format designed to detect whether the subject has knowledge of crime details.
MGQT
Modified General Question Test
Polygraph test format used for screening examinations and general truth verification.
Testing Types & Procedures
PCSOT
Post-Conviction Sex Offender Testing
Specialized polygraph testing for monitoring sex offenders as part of supervision programs.
LEPET
Law Enforcement Pre-Employment Testing
Pre-employment polygraph screening specifically designed for law enforcement candidates.
SCAN
Scientific Content Analysis
Statement analysis technique for detecting deception in written and verbal communications.
WET
Written Examination Test
Testing procedure that involves analysis of written statements or documents.
POT
Peak of Tension Test
Specialized polygraph test format used to identify specific knowledge or involvement.
ZCT
Zone Comparison Test
Polygraph test format that compares different question zones for analysis.
Professional Organizations & Standards
APAVSA
American Polygraph and Voice Stress Association
Professional organization that sets standards and provides training for polygraph examiners worldwide.
AAPP
American Association of Police Polygraphists
Professional organization focused on polygraph use in law enforcement applications.
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials
Organization that develops technical standards for polygraph testing procedures and equipment.
BEPA
British and European Polygraph Association
Professional organization that sets standards and provides training for polygraph examiners worldwide.
APA
American Polygraph Association
Professional organization that sets standards and provides training for polygraph examiners worldwide.
EPPA
Employee Polygraph Protection Act
U.S. federal law that regulates the use of polygraph testing in employment situations.
Technical Terms
EDR
Electrodermal Response
Measurement of electrical conductivity of the skin, indicating sympathetic nervous system activity.
GSR
Galvanic Skin Response
Measurement of skin conductance changes due to sympathetic nervous system activation.
PPG
Photoplethysmography
Technology that measures blood volume changes in tissues, used in some polygraph systems.
RIP
Respiratory Inductance Plethysmography
Technology for measuring breathing patterns and respiratory changes during polygraph testing.
ANS
Autonomic Nervous System
Part of the nervous system that controls involuntary responses measured in polygraph testing.
SNS
Sympathetic Nervous System
Component of the autonomic nervous system activated by stress and measured in truth verification.
Quality and Accuracy Terms
FP
False Positive
Test result indicating deception when the subject is actually truthful.
FN
False Negative
Test result indicating no deception when the subject is actually deceptive.
TP
True Positive
Correct test result indicating deception when the subject is actually deceptive.
TN
True Negative
Correct test result indicating no deception when the subject is actually truthful.
ROC
Receiver Operating Characteristic
Statistical method for evaluating the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic tests.
PPV
Positive Predictive Value
Statistical measure of the likelihood that a positive test result is actually correct.
Understanding Truth Verification
Truth verification is a complex field that combines psychology, physiology, and technology. Understanding these terms helps clients make informed decisions about truth verification services and helps professionals communicate effectively about their work.
Key Concepts
- Reliability: The consistency and reproducibility of test results
- Validity: The accuracy of a test in measuring what it claims to measure
- Specificity: The ability of a test to correctly identify truthful subjects
- Sensitivity: The ability of a test to correctly identify deceptive subjects
- Base Rate: The natural occurrence rate of deception in a given population
Need More Information?
If you encounter terms or acronyms not covered in this guide, or if you need clarification on any truth verification concepts, please contact WELCOR. Our experienced professionals are always available to provide explanations and answer questions.