Abstract
This article predominantly reviews recent studies concerning the concealed information test (CIT) in which event-related potential (ERP) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have been recorded as brain function indices. In the ERP-based CIT studies, the most promising index in terms of practical application to the criminal investigation is the P300 component because this is elicited by rare and meaningful events that are relevant to the subject's task. However, a method of counteracting countermeasures against ERP-based CIT and definite criteria for evaluating the results of this test for individuals must be established before it can be used in criminal investigations. Most fMRI studies have demonstrated greater activation of prefrontal regions when subjects lie than when they tell the truth. However, these studies diverged into two aims, the first devoted to the functional neuroanatomy and cognition of deception and the second to further refinement of CIT. In the future, research based on the procedure of CIT will be necessary for criminal investigations.
