“Polygraph Validation of Harassment Allegations: Scientific Evidence, Ethical Concerns, and Future Directions”

Nisha Patel1, Dr. Pratibha Kurup2

Research Scholar, Department of Forensic Science, Bharti Vishwavidyalaya, Durg1

Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Bharti Vishwavidyalaya, Durg2

Abstract

Harassment allegations often rely heavily on credibility assessments due to the limited availability of direct evidence. Polygraph examinations have been used as a supplementary tool to assess truthfulness; however, their scientific validity and ethical acceptability remain subjects of debate. This review examines the scientific evidence, ethical concerns, and future directions related to the use of polygraph testing in harassment investigations. A systematic review of literature published between 1990 and 2025 was conducted using peer-reviewed journals, books, and professional reports. The findings indicate that while polygraph testing may assist investigations, its accuracy can be affected by factors such as anxiety, trauma, emotional distress, examiner bias, and countermeasures. The review also highlights concerns regarding informed consent, privacy, and legal admissibility. Emerging technologies, including cognitive-based interviewing and artificial intelligence-assisted deception detection, offer promising alternatives. The study concludes that polygraph examinations should be used only as supportive investigative tools and not as definitive evidence in validating harassment allegations.

Keywords: Polygraph Testing, Harassment Allegations, Deception Detection, Forensic Psychology, Victim Credibility.