Turkish university to develop Turkish-oriented lie detector

A Turkish university is planning to develop a new lie detector unique to the Turkish people, on the grounds that "some statements which are regarded as a lie in western countries are not a lie for Turks."

Üsküdar University's founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said they will develop a new type of lie detector which will be "in line with the Turkish culture." The university is planning to get financial support from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK).

"That which is regarded as a lie by their measurements might be a natural [statement] for us [Turks]. It is very important for the person to take these as a lie. When you ask a question [which might cause] jealousy to an American spouse, he or she might take it as normal and may not have a response in the brain as though a lie has been told. But when you asked a question about jealousy in the Turkish community, the brain may give different reactions. We will develop software which will be sensitive to these differences," Tarhan said.