"Forensic Psychophysiology Using the Polygraph" Scientific Truth Verification - Lie Detection Book Reviews A three-column book review by Edward J. Imwinkelried, law professor at the University of California, Davis, published in The Champion, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Vol. XXII, No. 3, April 1998, is quoted in part as follows:    "The polygraph war is heating up, and defense attorneys need to be properly armed to do battle. To be properly armed, a defense attorney should have this text in his or her library." "Dr. Matte does a masterful job of presenting an in-depth analysis of the validation studies for polygraphy. To his great credit, he is not afraid to "bite the bullet;" he attempts to meet head on the criticisms leveled by skeptics. This chapter is replete with references the defense attorney will want to cite in his or her Daubert memorandum." "Charles Sevilla is correct when he writes in his foreword that this "is the best text on the subject I have seen." It is the best starting point for research, and for that reason the text belongs on the shelf of any defense attorney who contemplates waging a polygraph war." A four-page book review by Norman Ansley, Editor-in-Chief of the American Polygraph Association, published in Polygraph, Volume 26, Number 1, 1997, is quoted in part as follows:    "This major work by Dr. Matte exceeds in scope and depth every previous work on the detection of deception. It covers history, research, validity, test formats, test question formulation, stimulus tests, chart interpretations systems, conducting tests, countermeasures, testing sex offenders, and legal aspects. As a textbook it covers every topic in the curriculum of APA accredited schools except ethics."    "The historical material includes information not previously published in context and suggests a significant revision of those school history plans based primarily on the l939 work of Paul Trovillo. Polygraph research is thoroughly described and often included in other parts of the text where relevant."    "As a reference work for practicing examiners there is excellent material on technique, scoring methodology, question formulation, and even a massive collection of control questions, sorted by topics."    "In preparation of the book, Dr. Matte acknowledges direct assistance from 40 other experts in detection of deception, research, psychophysiology, pharmacology, school directors, program directors and instrument manufacturers. They provided material, made suggestions, and reviewed his drafts. Every chapter is followed by the references cited. An examiner who is planning to introduce polygraph results into evidence will profit by reading the legal chapter."    "One of the excellent features of this book is the frequent definition of terms, not just in the glossary, but at the beginning of many chapters. This is particularly useful in his introduction to validity. The treatment of research on validity and reliability is well documented and the major studies have been abstracted."    "The physiology section was written for examiners, and draws on authoritative sources. This chapter may become a principal source for physiological material in polygraph schools, particularly those in the IAFPI where the topic is treated seriously. His chapter is clearly written and well illustrated. His text puts physiological functions in the context of testing. In fact, he has a whole chapter devoted to the development of polygraph techniques in relationship to developments in psychophysiology."    "In a chapter on problems in testing, Dr. Matte considers the relevance and briefly describes abnormal behavior, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, somatoform disorders, psychotic disorders, and dissociative disorders. He explains how these disorders will affect polygraph testing and the resulting charts. The disorder definitions conform to the 4th edition of the DSM. A discussion on psychopathy appears elsewhere in the text."    "The chapter on computerized polygraph systems gives a brief historical account of their development, and describes the current Axciton, Lafayette, and Stoelting equipment. There is an interesting table comparing the three computerized instruments and related systems. There is also a history of the development of Polyscore by the Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University."    "The chapter on legal aspects emphasizes the methods to be used in introducing polygraph results into evidence. Dr. Matte knows his case citation data will soon be obsolescent so the emphasis is where it belongs."    "There is an addendum to the legal chapter containing a study by Gary Light and John Schwarts on the relative utility of forensic disciplines. This, with the also cited study by Jan Widacki and Frank Horvath put the utility of polygraph tests in perspective."    "The appendices include one on chart marking, others on forms, a model licensing act, a 23-page glossary, and a list of APA accredited schools. The 65-page Index is thorough and useful. As a textbook for polygraph courses the book is excellent. Most examiners will also enjoy having this book within reach. Attorneys will find it a necessity."