A new polygraph device was recently unveiled at the Department of Psychology at the King Abdulaziz University. Said Al Afandi, dean of the Faculty of Education at the university, said the acquisition of a number of world-class appliances by the department, in particular the polygraph device or lie detector, was the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia.

He said the recent acquisition was part of the university’s plan to establish psych laboratories in the Faculty of Education.

Dr. Mohamed Al Suhaimi, head of the psychology department, said the purchase of the polygraph and other modern equipment is a quantum leap for the university and particularly for the Department of Psychology.

Al Suhaimi said: “The university allocated SR 1.2 million to create the largest laboratory of psychology in the Kingdom.”

Dr. Syed Al Wakeel, unit manager of psychological services and Psych laboratories said the purpose of the polygraph and other devices is to be used for training and conducting experimental research, as well as basic and applied research in the field of psychology.

“A polygraph measures and records several physiological indicators of the body, such as heartbeat, pulse, blood pressure, respiration, and skin conductivity, as well as other functions,” he added.