relevant–irrelevant test

a question format used in polygraph testing in which physiological responses accompanying questions relevant to a crime (e.g., “Did you steal from the office?”) are compared with responses accompanying questions irrelevant to the crime (e.g., “Are you 24 years old?”). In criminal investigations, it has been increasingly replaced by the control question test. See also guilty knowledge test.

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Psychology term of the day

February 25th 2025

psychomimic syndrome

a condition in which an individual who lacks physical evidence of an illness develops symptoms of an illness experienced by another person, who may have died of the disorder. The symptoms usually occur around the anniversary of the death of the other person. See also anniversary reaction.