A Review Article on Layered Voice Analysis: Forensic Utility and Limitation

Abstract

Layered Voice Analysis is a new technology in voice analysis. Features like analysis of emotional cues, cognitive process and stress in voice by “brain trace activity” and “emotional signature” makes it unique and powerful tool for various fields like criminology, forensic psychology, psychology, medicine, etc. The technology can be used for linking different psychological features with the voice. LVA also detects and analyze the unconscious emotional cues and may play an important role in screening potential deviant behavior, criminal investigation and understanding layers of emotional cues and cognitive processes. LVA can be used by rehabilitative and correctional centers to determine the underlying behavioral factors of a convict and design a rehabilitative programme according to the needs of the convict and it will also help in recording the progress and efficiency of the ongoing programmes. Few studies also highlight the limitations and chance level performance of LVA. But the issues like inducing simulated stress, controlled analysis by LVA operators and lack of any kind of ecological or real-time fear might have contributed in the final results of the studies. It is important to understand that LVA detects the current mental state of the speaker to detect the speaker’s internal reaction to the lie. The LVA technology does not identify the lie.