What is a limitation of the Concealed Information Test?

• A. It can identify the true perpetrator in most cases.
• B. It works even if the public is aware of the crime details.
• C. It requires that crime details be kept from the public, and the suspect may not be the perpetrator.
• D. It can detect lies for all types of crimes.

Answer: (C)

The Concealed Information Test relies on detecting physiological responses to crime details that only the actual perpetrator would know. Its main limitation is that its accuracy hinges on those details being kept secret from the public. If the public is aware of the crime details, innocent people who happen to know the same information can show similar responses, making it hard to distinguish the real perpetrator from others. In addition, the test does not by itself confirm guilt—the suspect being tested might not be the offender, and even if they know the details, the results can be inconclusive or misleading. So secrecy of the crime details is essential, and the method is limited when those details are public or when the suspect may not be the perpetrator.