An Examination of the Validity of the Concealed Information Test

This study investigates the validity of the Concealed Information Test (CIT), considered as the most accurate polygraph test able to discriminate guilty from innocent suspects (e.g. Ekman & O'Sullivan, 1991; Bull et al., 2004; Grubin & Madsen, 2005). Despite scientific support for the use of the CIT, the test is currently rarely employed, due to the lack of demonstration for its applicability within real forensic contexts (Kraphol, 2011). This thesis aims to provide further evidence of the CIT mechanisms and demonstrate new potential applicability as an investigative and preventative tool. This study addresses these aims by evaluating certain aspects of the validity of the CIT which have received less attention in literature: the effect of visual stimulation, the ability to detect criminal intentions and the application of the CIT in a group setting.