Japanese Journal of Forensic Science and Technology
Online ISSN : 1881-4689
Print ISSN : 1880-1323
ISSN-L : 1880-1323
Original Article
Meta-analysis of mock-crime experimental studies and field studies using the Concealed Information Test
Wataru Zaitsu
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2014 Volume 19 Issue 1 Pages 9-18

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Abstract
  The Concealed Information Test (CIT), a polygraph test procedure that is adopted in Japan, is a memory detection method based on psychophysiological responses to critical questions. In this study, external validity of CIT experiments was examined by meta-analysis comparing electrodermal activity between mock-crime studies and field studies conducted in Japan. Literatures were searched using the following methods. (1) By referring to lists of journals that are reviewed in the CIT. (2) Computer searches of “Science Direct (http://www.sciencedirect.com/)” and “CiNii (http://ci.nii.ac.jp/)” databases. (3) Manually searching academic journals related to experimental, or criminal psychology. Meta-analysis by mixed effects model showed an overall average effect size of d 2.59 and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [2.07, 3.11]. Nine mock-crime studies (n=187) showed an average effect size of d 2.35, 95%CI [1.77, 2.93], and 4 field studies (n=116) showed an average effect size of d 3.16, 95%CI [1.99, 4.33]. Furthermore, 3 field studies, without 1 field study as an outliner, showed an average effect size of d 2.47, 95%CI [1.67, 3.26]. Moreover, statistical hypothesis testing of the funnel plot indicated that there was no publication bias in these CIT studies. Furthermore, statistical sensitivity analysis indicated the reliability of the results of the meta-analysis. These results of the meta-analysis indicated that each 95%CI of mock-crime experimental studies and field studies had a considerable overlap, and there were not significant differences in effect sizes between both kinds of studies. It is concluded that electrodermal activity in mock-crime studies have adequate external validity.
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© 2014 Japanese Association of Forensic Science and Technology
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