【英语时差8,16】测谎器（下）

In theory, if a subject lies on an important question, his polygraph response will be different from the truthful¹ responses to the neutral questions. Does this really work? It’s true that a polygraph can measure emotional stress, and it’s also true that MOST people have greater emotional stress when they lie. Unfortunately, many people are likely to have an emotional response to the important question, whether they lie or not. After all, “Did you kill your wife?” is more emotionally charged than “What’s your name?” This effect is so great, one study has shown that you’ve got a fifty-fifty chance of failing a polygraph test, even if you’re innocent! Because of these odds², lie detector³ tests are not allowed as evidence in court cases.

1 truthful   

adj.真实的，说实话的，诚实的

参考例句：

• You can count on him for a truthful report of the accident.你放心，他会对事故作出如实的报告的。
• I don't think you are being entirely truthful.我认为你并没全讲真话。

2 odds   

n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别

参考例句：

• The odds are 5 to 1 that she will win.她获胜的机会是五比一。
• Do you know the odds of winning the lottery once?你知道赢得一次彩票的几率多大吗？

3 detector   

n.发觉者，探测器

参考例句：

• The detector is housed in a streamlined cylindrical container.探测器安装在流线型圆柱形容器内。
• Please walk through the metal detector.请走过金属检测器。