Turks working on lie detector designed to dig out 'native lies'

A university in Istanbul has announced plans to develop a new lie detector, designed especially for Turkish people. The usual polygraph test requires alterations, as some statements considered to be false in Western cultures might be not a lie for Turks.

"What is regarded as a lie by their measurements might be a natural [statement] for us [Turks]. It is very important for the person to take these as a lie," rector at the Uskudar University Nevzat Tarhan said, as quoted by Turkish Hurriyet Daily News.

Giving an example of different reactions to same questions between people from different countries, the professor mentioned issues of jealousy, which may or may not be caused in people of various national backgrounds.

"When you ask a question [which might cause] jealousy to an American spouse, he or she might take it as normal and may not have a response in the brain as though a lie has been told. But when you asked a question about jealousy in the Turkish community, the brain may give different reactions," Tarhan said. He added that researchers at the university plan to develop software that will be sensitive to such differences.

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A polygraph machine receives and records multiple signals from sensors, attached to a tested person. Usually starting with simple questions to establish "normal" bodily reactions, the test proceeds with further inquiries, with the machine detecting a changing pulse, perspiration and body movements, which can indicate that the person is lying.

It was not specified when a lie detector "in line with Turkish culture" will be released, with the university planning to obtain funds for their project from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey.