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Does the polygraph lead to better risk prediction for sexual offenders

Gannon, Theresa A., Beech, Anthony R., Ward, Tony (2007) Does the polygraph lead to better risk prediction for sexual offenders. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 13 (1). pp. 29-44. ISSN 1359-1789. (doi:10.1016/j.avb.2007.08.001) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:4269)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2007.08.001

Abstract

The polygraph is receiving increased attention surrounding its ability to facilitate more honest disclosures from sexual offenders concerning risk-related information (e.g., historical risk factors and acute-dynamic risk factors). In addition, the polygraph has become accepted as a standard containment tool in the US, although UK professionals appear to have taken a more cautionary approach. The aim of this review is to provide a basic overview of current risk assessment procedure in the absence of the polygraph, and then to investigate studies that use the polygraph to enhance sexual offenders' risk assessments. Specifically, studies examining historical risk factors, stable-dynamic risk factors, and acute-dynamic risk factors are examined and evaluated. We conclude that there is reasonable evidence supporting polygraph use in some areas of risk assessment. However, the vast majority of studies suffers from serious confounds that should be taken into account by professionals who use the polygraph as a standard practice in sexual offender risk assessment and management. Finally, the future of the polygraph is discussed in light of the presented empirical evidence.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.avb.2007.08.001
Uncontrolled keywords: polygraph; sexual offenders; risk assessment; treatment
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: Theresa Gannon
Date Deposited: 25 Jun 2008 10:26 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:42 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/4269 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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