Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD): A Practical Manual

Evidence-Based Forensic Psychophysiology is a professional reference manual dedicated to the field of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD). Designed for polygraph examiners, forensic experts, criminologists, psychologists, investigators, legal professionals, security and intelligence personnel, and advanced students, it provides a comprehensive understanding of credibility assessment from a scientific, ethical, and methodologically rigorous perspective.

Through a progressive and structured approach, José A. Landa guides readers from the historical foundations of psychophysiological detection to the latest developments in biomedical instrumentation, deception neuroscience, algorithmic analysis, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and neuro-rights. The book challenges the simplistic notion of the “lie detector” and presents the polygraph as an advanced physiological data acquisition system designed to measure autonomic responses associated with cognitive load, internal conflict, psychological salience, and fear of detection.

The work explores in depth the neurobiology of deception, sensor engineering, question formulation, the PDD interview process, data analysis, chart interpretation, scoring systems, countermeasure detection, algorithm integration, and forensic report preparation. It also offers a critical examination of professional ethics, evidentiary admissibility, data protection, the role of the examiner, and the challenges posed by the digital revolution in credibility assessment.

More than an introduction to polygraph practice, this book serves as a comprehensive treatise on the science of credibility. Its greatest strength lies in its ability to integrate biology, technology, psychology, law, and forensic methodology into a clear, practical, and contemporary framework. An essential resource for professionals seeking to practice forensic psychophysiology with technical precision, ethical responsibility, and genuine scientific rigor.