POLYGRAPHY (Instrumental Interrogation) – a scientific methods of detecting

deception done with the aid of a polygraph machine.

POLYGRAPH- a scientific instrument capable of recording simultaneously changes

in blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration and skin resistance as indicative of
emotional disturbance especially of a lying subject when being questioned. (Tomas
Jefferson)

Greek Word
- “Poly” meaning Many or Several
- “Graph meaning “writing chart”

Deception- the act of deceiving or misleading usually accompanied by lying

Lying – the act of uttering or conveying (taking) falsehood or creating a false or
misleading impression with the intention of affecting wrongfully.
Truth- the body of real things, events, and facts. (Merriam Dictionary)

PRIMITIVE DETECTION OF DECEPTION

Ordeal – it refers to the oldest form of crime detection done by subjecting to an

obstacle or trial and sometimes even involving third degree.
- Medieval Latin word “Dei Indicum”
- Which means “Miraculous Decision”

AYUR VIDA – a hindu book of science and health around 500B.C considered as an
earliest known reference to a method of detecting deception.

Two hindu books:

- Dharmasastra of Gautama (Nature of Lying)
- Vasistra of Dhamasastra (Justifying)

THE SCIENTIFIC METHODS IN DETECTING DECEPTIONS

The Word Association Test (Francis Galton) – the group of words, object or
photographs will be presented. (Time pressure)
- The two main criteria for detecting indications of deception and these are:
(Fast Question)
- Incriminating answer words.
- Delayed answer
The use of hypnotism – the information gathered through this method is also not
admissible in court

The use of alcoholic beverages (in vino veritas)- the subject is made to drink
hard liquor in such a mount that would make him lose control

The Narco-analysis Test (administration of the truth serum) – the drugs injected
hypodermically or intravenously.
THE POLYGRAPH TEST
- Aid not a substitute or replacement for investigation
- Minors, mentally ill or retarded are exempted
- It cannot be conducted to unfit subject (A1 CONDITION)
- The accuracy of the machine is directly proportion to the credibly of the
examiner.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF POLYGRAPH

CARDIOSPHYGMOGRAPH

CESARE LOMBROSO – he was credited to be the first to conceived the idea of

utilizing scientific lie detection using “Hydrosphygmograph and recorded through
column of water” .
- To measure the physiological changes that occurred in a crime suspect’s
blood pressure and pulse rate during a police interrogation.

Dr. ANGELO MOSSO- He utilized a “Scientific Cradle “ and “Plethysmograph” focus

on the importance of “fear as a strong influence to deception”.

PLETHYSMOGRAPH – (Francis Franke) – an instrument measuring blood pressure

and pulse change.

DANIEL DEFOE – the first person to suggest the use of pulse to detect deception

WILLIAM M. MARSTON (father of modern lie detector) – he made use of

sphygmomanometer and focus on the importance of the systolic blood pressure.

SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE TEST

- Take and record the subjects blood pressure, release the cuff. Ask the subject
a question.
- Take and record the subject’s blood pressure once again to identify any
changes.

JOHN A. LARSON (father of polygraphy) – he devised the so-called “bread lie

detector” a scientific instrument capable of simultaneously recording changes in
blood pressure, pulse beat and respiration.

GALVANOGRAPH

GEORG STICKER – he works on the galvanograph component and study the

influence of the sweat glands to skin resistance.

OTTO VERAGUTH- he formulated the term psycho-galvanic skin reflex following the
study of sticker.

ELECTRODERMAL SKIN RESPONSE (ruckmick) – it refers to human body

phenomenon in which the skin changes resistance electrically upon the application
of certain stimuli.
RICHARD O. ARTHUR
- The person who developed a polygraph machine with two galvanic skin
resistance.
- The first polygraph examiner to record simultaneously on regular basis the
chest and abdominal breathing patterns.

PNEUMOGRAPH

VITTORI BENNUSI – he focus on the formulation of the inhalation and exhalation

ratio. He experiments regarding respiratory symptoms of lying.

HAROLD BURTT –he considered respiration as a weak basis in determining

deception and incorporate the systolic blood pressure to respiration.

KYMOGRAPH

LEONARDE KEELER (father of modern polygraph)

- He developed the kymograph machine and the keeler’s polygraph in the year
1926 as one of the great advancement to the development of the polygraph
machine.
- He also developed the relevant/irrelevant test.
Normal person only reacts to relevant question
Relevant Question – deals with crime
Irrelevant Question – Used to obtain baseline

JOHN E REID – he developed the reid polygraph with an incorporation of muscular

resistance compare to the keelers and the Stoelting.
- Silent Answers Test (SAT) – examiners ask the subject a series of question,
but subject refrain to response audible answer.
- Control Question Test or Comparison Question Test - deals with the prior
behavior designed to provoke anxiety

CLEVE BACKSTER – He formulated the “Numerical Scoring” on the polygraph chart

and standardizing quantitative polygraph technique

JAMES MACKENZIE (ink polygraph) – a heart specialist who published in two

British journal.

C.D. LEE – he developed “Psychograph Machine”

THE THREE DOGMATIC PRINCIPLES IN POLYGRAPH TEST

MECHANICAL LEG BASIC PREMISE – the polygraph is capable of making graphic

record containing reliable information regarding physiological responses of the
subject.

PHYSIOLOGICAL LEG BASIC PREMISE – the physiological responses that maybe

recorded are those that automatically occur only following the stimulation of specific
nervous component system.
PSYCHOLOGICAL LEG BASIC PREMISE –It states that specific nervous system
component whose stimulation can thus be diagnosed are so stimulated by the
involuntary and emotional process of the individual who is continuously attempting
concealment of deception especially if that individual has something at stake and the
prevailing circumstances lead him to believe that exposure to deception is quite
possible .

TERMS TO BE REMEMBERED

ADMISSION – a statement of facts, partial acknowledgement of guilt and usually

given with some justification or exemplification in admitting.

CONFESSION – a direct acknowledgement statement of guild

INTERVIEW – a simple questioning of one who is willing and cooperative.

INTERROGATION - a forceful questioning of a person who is reluctant to divulge

information.

FEAR – an emotional response to specific danger that appears to be beyond a

person defensive power

ENVIRONMENT – the sum total of the dissimulation that a person acquired from the
time he was conceived and his exposure to his surroundings.

HEREDITY – the transmission of physical and mental traits of the parents to their
offspring through the genes

PERONALITY - the sum total of the dissimulation that a person acquired from the
heredity, environment and education

STIMULUS – any force or motion coming from the environment and which reach an
organism has the tendency to arouse.

EMOTION -a conscious mental reaction (such as anger or fear) subjectively

experienced as strong feeling usually directed toward a specific object and typically
accompanied by physiological and behavioural changes in the body

RESPONSE – the reaction to a stimulus, in response to, in answer to

REACTION – an action in mental attitude evoke by external influence

DIFFERENT COMPONENTS AND PART OF THE POLYGRAPH MACHINE

PNEUMOGRAPH – (respiration or breathing)

Chest and Abdomen assembly.

- Rubber convoluted tube – a 10 inches corrugated rubber attached to the

body of the subject.
- Beaded Chain – used to lock rubber convoluted tube.
- ½ to ¾ inch – average amplitude or volume
- 13 to 18 / minute – cyclic rate of respiration

CARDIOSPHYGMOGRAPH (blood pressure and pulse beat)

- Blood pressure Cuff- attached to the upper right arm of the subject, above
the brachial artery
- Sphygmomanometer- used to indicate the amount of air pressure inflated to
the system. Usually about 60 mm of mercury for male subject.
- Air pump – designed to supply air to the system.
70 to 75 – the average pulse beat of adult subject.

DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE – the downward blood pressure representing the

low pressure to the closing of the valves and heart relaxed.

DICROTIC NOTCH- the short horizontal notch in a cardio tracing located at the
middle of the diastolic stem.

SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE – the upward blood pressure as the apex of the
curve caused by the contraction of the heart., valve are open and blood is rushing
into the arteries

GALVANOGRAPH (skin resistance)

Finger Electrode Assembly consist of:

- Finger electrode plate and retainer bond – attached to the left index and
ring finger of the subject .
- Connecting Plug - designed to attached the system to machine

Amplifier Unit – designed to support the galvanometer in converting electrical to

mechanical current.

KYMOGRAPH (CARL LUDWIG ) – it serves as the paper feed mechanism of the

polygraph machine. The one that records the different tracing by driving the paper
out under a recording pen unit
- CHART (100 FT.) – a rolled graph paper composed of twelve division in one
minutes run designed to measure the rate of various body functioning
- CUTTER BAR – it used to cut the paper at the end of the test.
- RUBBER ROLLER - the one responsible for pulling the paper out of the
machine.
PEN TABLE – a flat portion where the pen write on the chart
PAPER RAIL GUIDE – it serves as the security for the unnecessary movement of
the chart paper or to ensure the paper’s forward movement without shaking.

SYNCHRONUS MOTOR – to run the chart paper at the uniform rate speed
regardless of the voltage change.

PEN AND INKING SYSTEM - the one that provides for the permanent record of the
test
- PNEUMOGRAPH – the 2 with 5 inches length
- CARDIOSPHYGMOGRAPH – 5 inches
- GALVANOGRAPH PEN – 7 inches

LAFAYETTE
- Pneumograph – 6 ¼ inches
- Electrodermal Activity – 7 inches
- Cardio – 6 ¼

STOELTING
- Pneumograph – 5 inches
- Electrodermal activity – 5.5 inches
- Cardio – 6 ¼

TERMS TO BE REMEMBERED

Normal response – any activity or inhibition of a previous activity of an organism or

part of the organism resulting from stimulation – IRRELEVANT QUESTION ang
gepangutana

Specific response – the responsive given by the subject which considered a

deviation from the normal tracing or norms of the subject. RELEVANT QUESTION
ang gepangutana

THE STAGES IN POLYGRAPH EXAMINITION

INITIAL INTERVIEW
- It conducted by any investigator handling the case.
- It is designed for the obtaining of pertinent information necessary for the
conduct of the test
- All information gathered by the investigator will be copied furnished to the
investigator
- As a rule no polygraph test can be conducted if there is insufficient amount
gathered
it is essential for the examiner to obtain accurate information concerning all the
available facts

including circumstances that form the basis for the suspicion or accusation directed
against the person to be examined in order to conduct a satisfactory polygraph
examination.
PRE TEST INTERVIEW
An interview by the polygraph examiner designed to prepare or condition the subject
for the actual subject for the actual test

It is usually about 20-30 minutes

take note: the pre test interview cam absorb 45 minutes in general.

There are four basic things being undertaken in this stage

1. Informing the subject of his basic constitutional rights.
- Right to remain silent
- Right to be informed of the nature and the cause of his accusation
- Right to council
- Right against self incrimination
2. Taking the subject consent
3. Taking of subject personal data sheet
4. Determining the subject physical, mental, and psychological suitability to
undergo to the test
Subject should be under a-1 condition.
1. The should stop smoking at least 2 hours prior to the test
2. the subject should avoid taking drugs at least 12 hours before the test
3. the subject if female should not be: pregnant , having menstruation or not
wearing tight shirt or gridle.
4. The subject should not be hungry (over the last 5 to 6 hours)
5. The subject should (not be physically or emotionally abuse.
6. The subject should (not be highly nervous) etc.

ACTUAL TEST
(Test Execution or Questioning Phase)
(The Actual Polygraph Examination)

The actual conduct of the test administered by a polygraph examiner or forensic

psychophysiologist

CONDITION OF THE ROOM

- the ideal interview room is not too big, not too small (3.5 x 3m).
(it should be spacious for two)
- it must be well lighted, ventilated and sound proof
- not decorated
- it should be guaranteed have privacy with no possibility of interference (no
telephone).
- The furniture has to be sober but adequate; desk and chair for examiner,
normal chair for the subject, and a chair for the test itself;

Take note:
- Psychological research has indicated that the most relaxing color for the walls
is with a very light hint of purple mix.
- This color seems to subdue the subject and leads easier to confessions.
CHART PROBING – examiner shows the recorded result to the subject with a brief
explanation as to the significance of any recorded reaction. It is done every after the
taking of each chart .

POST TEST INTERVIEW or INTERROGATION

All consideration that bear polygraph examination from the time the instrument is
deactivated falling final polygram until examiners diagnostic opinion is reported to
proper authorities and the case is concluded.

The purpose of which is to obtain confession or admission. However, if the chart of

the polygraph indicates that the subject is innocent, the examiner will just release the
subject cordially and thanks him/her cooperation.

Take note: Polygraph examiner – a person who is capable of being able to detect
deception or verify truth statement through instrumentation or the use of mechanical
device.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF QUESTIONS

IRRELEVANT QUESTION – A question have no relation to the matter under

investigation and deal on known fact that the subject cannot be denied and
answerable bye “YES” .

Ex. Ang pangalan mo ay Jay-r ?

RELEVANT QUESTION – These are the primary or key question asked by the
examiner in order to resolve a specific subject matter.

Ex. Ikaw ba ang bumaril kay juan dela cruz ?

Take note: its purpose is to detect deception as a result of the physiological changes
of the subject

THE TWO TYPES OF RELEVANT QUESTION

Strong Relevant (primary relevant or crucial question)

- Having intense a specific relationship to the crime or problem, being
considered. It is designed and constructed to test for direct involvement only
and specifically designed to produced an emotional response in guilty
subjects.
Ex. Ikaw ba ang gumahasa sa biktima ?

Secondary (weak relevant)

- It concerns some secondary element of the crime or problem and deals
mostly on guilty knowledge and partial involvement
Ex. Kasama ka ba sa pang gagahasa sa biktima ?
THE TWO TYPES OF WEAK RELEVANT QUESTION

Evidence-connecting question –it designed to stimulate the guilty subject and

focus and focus his attention on probability of incriminating proof that would tent to
establish his guild.

Ex. Ang brief ba na nakita sa pinangyarihan ng crimen ay sayo?

Guilty Knowledge question (knowledge question) – a question designed to probe

whether the subject possesses information regarding the identity of the offender or
as the location of evidence or other secondary elements or facts of the case under
investigation.

Ex. Kilala mo ba ang gumahasa sa biktima ?

Take note: Sacrifice Relevant Question- it designed to absorb the response

generally generated by the introduction of the firm relevant question in the series.
( clue to the attitude of the subject’s acceptance or voluntariness )
Ex. Ikaw ba ay sasagot na puro pawang katotohanan lamang?

Symptomatic Question- a question design to ensure the examiner will not ask
unviewed question.

Naniniwala ka ban a hindi ako magtatanong ng mga tanong na hindi natin nasuri ?

Control question (comparison question or probable lie) – a question designed to

produced response in the innocent subject and serves as basis for evaluating the
subject’s perceptual set. (Subject denying having done anything which is verified or
known to be true.)

Take note : Broader is Scope

The two types of control relevant questions

Primary Control Question (Inclusive)

“ sa buong buhay mo ba kumuha ka na ba ng gamit na di sayo?”

Secondary Control Question (Exclusive)

Sa iyong pinagtatrabahoan, kumuha ka na ba ng gamit na hindi sayu?

DIFFERENT TYPES OF TEST

General Question Test – this question consist of a series of relevant and irrelevant
question being asked in a planned order. ( to make possible comparison of
responses to relevant question during answering irrelevant question.) Answerable by
“YES” or “NO”
PEAK OR TENTION TEST – it is designed to determine the degree of reaction.
(series of irrelevant (padding) and one relevant)

Dapat ani kay ma anwer nya kay NO. example ang ge rape kay si Julia pero imung
ipangutana kay lain nga nagalan

Ex. Alam mo ba na ginahasa si Munyanyo ?

Dayun pag human tan awon nmu ang reaction pag pangutana nmu sa question nga
kabalo sya.

Ex. Alam mo ba na ginahasa si Julia ?

THE CARD TEST (7 cards )- immediately upon the completion of the first test, and
with the blood pressure cuff still deflated, the examiner then tells the subject for
another part of the test.

1. Let the subject take 1 card and remember it, do not show or tell to anyone
2. Shuffle the card
3. Instruct the subject that he will just answer “no” to the entire test even on his
chosen card
4. If no distortion of the tracing on the chart in his chosen card, immediate
terminate the test.
5. Conduct another set of card test

THE YES TEST – after the 1st test, card test, 3rd test, the yes test should be
administered before the “mixed test”

“the subject will instruct to answer “yes” to all question that will be asked to him”

THE GUILD COMPLEX TEST – it is designed for overly responsive subject, consist
of a test regarding purely fictitious incident similar nature to the one under
investigation, but one which examiner leads the subject to believe is real. (To
compare the responses on it with appeared on the actual test.)

1. Administered to overly sensitive subject after their mixed test.

2. Instruct the subject that he will now be tested regarding another incident , and
he is led to believe, of course, that is real. (fictitious incident)
3. If he respond to the fictitious incident questions to a degree of comparable to
that on earlier test relating to the actual occurrence, that fact is indicative of
subject’s truthfulness.
4. If he does not respond, this fact is strongly indicative of deception

THE MIXED QUESTION TEST -this test consist essentially of an arrangement of

the first and third questions. (to prevent accidental responses and to compare the
degree of reaction between relevant and control question.)