Recognition of emotions by analysing facial expressions with FaceReader (Noldus) vs detection of deception by polygraph examination. A pilot study

FaceReader is a software package designed by the Dutch company Noldus (established and managed by Professor Lucas Noldus) for the automatic recognition and analysis of facial expression. The package was described in European Polygraph in 2022 with respect to its potential applicability for the detection of deception (see Widacki et al. 2022: 37–51). This article discusses the results of a pilot study aimed at testing whether the analysis of facial expression can be successfully used for the detection of deception, discovering what emotions are triggered by critical questions in tests during polygraph examinations, and what physiological reactions to these emotions can be observed and recorded in such an examination. The latter question is of particular importance for a better understanding of the psychophysiological essence of detection of deception and necessary for refining its methodology, especially with respect to improving the detection of attempts to manipulate or distort the recordings and counteracting them effectively. This pilot study allowed a number of cautious conclusions to be drawn that nonetheless require further investigation, primarily by testing with a larger sample. It has also allowed us to gain experience that will help improve the protocol for organising such experiments.