Polygraph Is Poor Tool for Screening Employees, Panel Says

In my understanding, people who have anti-social personality disorder (used to be called psychopaths, and then sociopaths) have no conscience. Therefore, they might not react physiologically to the polygraph test when they choose to lie.

One the other hand, folks who are honest and above board, but who feel guilty about the smallest infraction, might just react.

I think that the polygraph is only a guide, but is not definitive. Employers hiring people in sensitive positions need to do their homework.

If the machine indicates a poor risk, though, the investigator's job might end up on the line if he decides to trust his instincts. Letting the machine make the decision is always the safe approach.