FRS 002AA — Sec. 001 — (2 unit) — CRN 76155 — M 12:10-2:00pm — 25 Wellman
On the Administration and Validity of Lie Detector Tests

Instructor: Francisco Samaniego, Department of Statistics, College of Letters and Science

Description: This seminar will examine the nature and validity of “Lie Detector Tests” from an interdisciplinary perspective. Techniques for lie detection, or for the “extraction’ of truth from people, have ancient roots. The modern era based on the utilization of “polygraph” machines relating statements one makes to one’s physiological reactions dates back to the late nineteenth century. The seminar will explore the history, psychology, physiology and engineering science associated with lie detector tests. It will also examine the mechanics of their implementation and their varied applications today in, for example, employment screening, security checks, law enforcement and judicial proceedings. Students will participate by presenting two “book scanning reports” on relevant monographs, contributing to class discussion and writing a five-page paper on a subtopic of their choice.

Format: The seminar will meet for two hours each week for eight weeks. The time will be divided between informal lecture presentations, discussion, and student presentations. Each student will research appropriate material from the library and/or the internet and present their findings to the class. There is no text for the course. Grading: Students will be required to present, orally and in writing, two “book scanning reports” on books or monographs relevant to the class. A short paper on a chosen is due at the last class meeting. The course grade will be based on the quality of their written work (50%) and on the quality of their general participation in the course, including attendance and contribution to class discussion (50%).

About the Instructor: Professor Samaniego is a member of the faculty of the Department of Statistics. His research interests include mathematical statistics, engineering reliability and applications of Statistics in scientific research. He teaches statistics at various levels, from freshman-level introductory classes to graduate courses. He has taught several seminars through the Davis Honors Challenge, including one on lie detector tests. In 2004, Professor Samaniego was awarded the Davis Prize for Undergraduate Teaching and Scholarly Achievement, an honor accorded to one Davis faculty member each year.