A polygraph testing machine has an accuracy of 61% (No, you don’t need citation, I already checked it up). 61% is not an impressive figure, it is only marginally better than flipping a coin and expecting a result you called for. Be that as it may after extensive research, the results from a polygraph test are not final and binding (ask any investigator – nothing is better than plain evidence linking the suspect to the crime scene). A polygraph picks up many physiological changes – perspiration, heart rate, pulse and breathing rhythm. Research also reveals that any knowledge of controlled breathing (to calm the senses) means that you could beat the machine four times out of ten – at least (and if you’re a Russian spy, you could beat it every time!). A test typically consists of Irrelevant questions, Control questions and Relevant questions all in a random, jumbled and mixed order known only to the questioner and the analyzer. Only after several rounds of questioning, can the analyzer make comments with regard to the integrity of the subject (suspect).
The paragraph that precedes this contains all the facts required to quickly deduce that it requires considerable testing and analysis to tell a lie from the truth. Do you still want to watch and believe a TV show like ‘ The Moment of Truth’ or the desi version ‘Sachh ka Saamna?’ The only working argument is that people don’t watch TV for any reason, only to kill time. Watching the show is fine but believing the gaff isn’t.
Assuming you’re like me, with a fairly limited knowledge of breath control and you are asked – “Have you ever tried tasting Fevikol?” you say ‘no’ even though you did try it once during craft class in the first grade; your palms sweat and the machine you’re hooked up to records deviation from regular patterns – it will be deemed – a lie. If however, you’re asked – “Will you taste Fevikol if it was kept in front of you now?” can you judge the response as a lie or truth? The whole situation painted for you is hypothetical and therefore makes no demands as to the integrity of your response. You could say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or even something like ‘yes, provided you give me a straw to sip it through’ or ‘Is it flavoured?’
The TV show does exactly that, based on audience response to the stimulus. A vector summation of total audience response of ‘Yuck! Gross!’ is more appealing to the public and naturally, a response in the positive is needed. If you say ‘yes’ the whole humor of the response falls flat, but if you said ‘no’ and the machine thinks you’re a goddamn liar then the audience is enthralled and finds it very amusing.
A majority of our population is uneducated but literate, too bad this blog boasts the readership only of the fortunate minority that is both literate and educated.
Statutory Warning:
1. Viewer discretion is advised as far as reality TV is concerned.
2. Ingesting Fevikol can be injurious to health; physically speaking, if your oesophagus is clogged with dried adhesive, other more palatable items may not pass through – ice creams for instance.
In a few weeks, I shall be absorbed as permanent employee. In other words, the beginning of the end of college life lies just two weeks into the future. The general interpretation of such a situation as I have gathered from fellow trainees is that we have two weeks to have the fun that we’ve had this far. After this, corporate life will destroy free spirit, free thinking, and free holidays. I’m lucky I don’t share the viewpoint completely – free thinking and free leave will most definitely be put an end to; but considering the probability (about 70%) that I shall be posted in virgin territory, a place I’ve never heard of let alone seen, free spirit may keep me going for a few more months.
The place is called Rudrapur, 60 km South-East of Nainital, Uttarakhand. Some people I’ve spoken to, paint a very habitable picture of the little town and that has greatly affected my mental state. I now look forward to being absorbed, packed up and dispatched to the countryside.
Recall the watermelon juices I’ve written about last month. They were diabolical and lethal as I’ve learned after being more than just under the weather for close to two weeks.
A rule has been created – Never risk fruit juices out here in Madras, unless you are fond of falling violently ill.
And oh!! I still managed to sketch something, its up on Photographites. Ciao!
