Topic: Lie Detector

John C. Dvorak describes participating in a psychological study at the University of California involving a lie detector. He recounts being shown gruesome films, including one of a tribal circumcision involving rocks, to measure his physiological response. He explains how anticipation of the scenes caused the polygraph needles to "pin," suggesting that the tests are effective at measuring stress but can be manipulated.

An anecdote describes participating in a psychological study at the University of California involving a lie detector. The subject's physiological responses were triggered by the mere anticipation of gruesome films, causing the polygraph needles to spike before the movies even began. The experience is used to illustrate the limitations and potential for manipulation of lie detector tests.

A major scandal has erupted in Australia after the "Kyle and Jackie O" radio show subjected a teenage girl to a lie detector test. During the broadcast, the girl was pressured into revealing she had been raped at age 12, leading to government investigations and widespread public outrage.

The game show "Nothing But The Truth," hosted by Jerry Springer, is highlighted for its use of lie detectors to force contestants to reveal embarrassing secrets in front of their families. While one host finds the cringe-inducing questions entertaining, the other argues that such programming is detrimental to society and contributes to the "stupefication" of the public.