Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I have done the "Pinochio lie detector tests". Analyzing my conclusions i have noticed that when a person is lieing the arm is not as resistant as when the person is telling the truth. And if anybody could answer me, WHY????? it would seriously be a great help. Thank you !!!!!!!

Hi! That's an interesting project! It seems like when we lie, our brains work harder. I think maybe when our brains are working harder, we don't focus on the arm being held up as easily, so the resistance changes (either overcompensates or lessens). Then when telling the truth, it is easy for the brain to do, so the brain stays focused on keeping the arm up and the resistance never really changes.

Is this what your data showed?

Let me know if you have more questions about that.
Tonya

thats exactly what my results showed THANKS!!!!!!!