Evaluation of the NITV CVSA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a commonly used voice stress analyzer, the National Institute of Truth Verification's (NITV) Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA), using a speech database containing materials recorded (i) in the laboratory, while highly controlled deceptive and shock-induced stress levels were systematically varied, and (ii) during a field procedure. Subjects were 24 each males/females (age range 18-63 years) drawn from a representative population. All held strong views on an issue and were required to make sharply derogatory statements about it. The CVSA system was then evaluated in a double-blind study using three sets of examiners: (i) two UF scientists trained/certified by NITV in CVSA operation, (ii) three experienced NITV operators provided by the manufacturer and (iii) five experimental phoneticians. The results showed that the "true positive" (or hit) rates for all examiners ranged from chance to somewhat higher levels (c. 50-65%) for all conditions and types of materials (e.g., stress vs. unstressed, truth vs. deception). However, the false-positive rate was just as high - often higher. Sensitivity statistics demonstrated that the CVSA system operated at about chance level.

The Accuracy of Auditors' and Layered Voice Analysis (LVA) Operators' Judgments of Truth and Deception During Police Questioning*

“…This and other brand name devices are said to detect a low frequency “micro‐tremor” in the vocal spectrum that is inversely related to “stress.” As a person experiences stress, such as that which might result from lying about involvement in a criminal offense, the micro‐tremor dissipates and that change in pattern, in turn, signals “deception” . However, the persistent claims of promoters have not been supported by the scientific evidence; independent studies have not shown a relationship between stress as indicated by voice stress analyzers and deception, whether in the laboratory or in real‐life conditions .…”

On the Path to Decolonizing Health Care Services: The Role of Marketing

“…For example, research results on the significance of BoC were repackaged into more accessible messages and disseminated through digital media. This included promoting the evidence gathered by Kildea's team and research stemming from the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre in ABC podcasts, such as “Mums on Country” (Ireland and Maypilama 2023), and the NITV (National Indigenous Television) podcast “Hopes for Birthing Centre at Galiwinku Elcho Island NT” (Ireland and Maypilama 2020). Furthermore, the National Indigenous Radio Service interviewed a First Nations midwife and mother on a program titled “Calls for Action on Indigenous Maternity Care” (Clarke 2016).…”

Who Should You Trust? Discriminating Genuine from Deceptive Eyewitness Accounts

“…While the data from our previous studies are promising, the majority of studies on deception have focused on detecting lies of omission. Few studies have focused on detecting lies of fabrication (i.e., false claims) (Morgan et al, 2004), (Morgan, et al 2007;Harnesberger et al 2009;Hollien et al, 2008;Morgan et al, 2007;2008b;. Further, at present no studies have examined whether this methodology could effectively be used to discriminate truthful claims from denials or false claims in persons questioned about the same task or activity.…”