St.

Louis College of Bulanao

Purok 6, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga 3800

TITLE/TOPIC
LIE DECTECTION
CHAPTER IV
POLYGRAPHY

I. INTRODUCTION
A polygraph, popularly referred to as a lie detector test, is a device or
procedure that measures and records several physiological indicators such as blood
pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while a person is asked and answers
a series of questions.[1] The belief underpinning the use of the polygraph is that
deceptive answers will produce physiological responses that can be differentiated from
those associated with non-deceptive answers. There are, however, no specific
physiological reactions associated with lying, making it difficult to identify factors that
separate liars from truth tellers. Polygraph examiners also prefer to use their own
individual scoring method, as opposed to computerized techniques, as they may more
easily defend their own evaluations.[2]
In some countries, polygraphs are used as an interrogation tool with criminal
suspects or candidates for sensitive public or private sector employment. US law
enforcement and federal government agencies such as the FBI, NSA[3] and the CIA and
many police departments such as the LAPD and the Virginia State Police use polygraph
examinations to interrogate suspects and screen new employees. Within the US federal
government, a polygraph examination is also referred to as a psychophysiological
detection of deception (PDD) examination.[4] The average cost to administer the test in
the United States is more than $700 and is part of a $2 billion industry.[5]

II. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
 Discuss how to read a chart from the polygraph examination
 Discuss the different symbols on the polygraph chart

COURSE CONTENT
LESSON 9.1
CHART MARKING
Through the proper use of test graph marking will be able to evaluate the result of polygraph chart and
without marking it is impossible to evaluate the chart or to arrive at any conclusion. The tracing have no
meaning what occurred throughout the chart. Standardize chart even though were not present when
the chart run could still be evaluated by the examiner.

SYMBOLS MEANING SYMBOLS MEANING

X Beginning C Coughing
60 Air pressure reading T Subject Talk
XX Ending CT Clearing of throat
20km Amplifier manual EI Examiners Instruction
kn Amplifier normal M Movement
// Stimulus SN Sniff
TI Talking Instruction SZ Sneeze
SW Swallow MRA Movement of Right hand
MLA Movement of Left hand B Burp
L Laugh A Adjustment
Y Yawn OSN Outside Noise
S Sigh R Repeat

JACKSON BACACAO
 BI Breathing Instruction PJ Paper Jump
DB Deep Breath PI Preliminary Instruction

(Note: initial air pressure is 60-80 Jor male 60 – 70 for female)

To facilitate evaluation and interpretation of test chart markings are made with the use of signs and
symbols to enable the examiner to determine the following:

a. Exact time the test commenced and terminated

b. Initial and final blood pressure and galvanograph reading
c. Particular points where each question asked started and ended, corresponding identification of the
question and the type and time of the given answer by the subject
d. Duration and amplitude of reactions patterns
e. Any instruction given or repetition of questions made
f. Any movements coughs, talking by suspect or outside distraction that occurred
g. Mechanical adjustment or re- adjustment mad
h. Time interval between questions
i. Extraneous (Unrelated) factors affecting test charts such as paper jams
j. Chart number, name of subject, time date, and place taken (PCCr 1996).

EXAMPLE OF POLYGRAPH CHART

POLYGRAPH CHART SAMPLE

The polygraph chart presented above is a screenshot of an actual polygraph test. It is a typical chart
produced by a state-of-the-art computer polygraph recording on 5 channels. 2 channels record the
subject's respiration, 1 channel records the Galvanic Skin Resistance, 1 channel records cardiovascular
activity and the remaining channel records certain physical activity. The test questions asked during
the test are indicated as R1 to R10 at the bottom of the chart. They are short and direct questions
requiring a 'yes' or 'no' answer.

III. ASSESSMENT
GENERAL INSTRUCTION: Read each question very carefully. Answer legibly, clearly and concisely.
Write your answer on a yellow pad paper. Do not write anything at the back of your answer sheet. You
may use another sheet of paper until completed. Submit it personally to the CJJE OFFICE on, 2021, or
you can contact me through my messenger account @ JACKSON BACACAO for questions. Good
luck!

1. What do you think is the importance of chart marking in polygraph examination.

REFERENCES
 William A. Revisa Poligraphy (lie detection) wiseman’s books trading, INC. 2011
 Sample Polygraph Chart (polygraphis.com)
St. Louis College of Bulanao
JACKSON BACACAO
 Purok 6, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga 3800

This module is a requirement of the St. Louis College of Bulanao in response to

the implementation of the Blended Learning way of Instruction.

This Learning Material is a property of the College of CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Education – St. Louis College of Bulanao, Tabuk City. It aims to improve students’
performance specifically in the Criminology Education.

Date of Development : MARCH 2021

Resource Location : Bulanao, Tabuk City
Learning Area : FORENSIC 15 – POLYGRAPHY (LIE DETECTION)
Learning Resource Type : Module 9

General Instruction/s:
The module will start with an Introduction which will give a general background
on the different professional subjects of BS CRIMINOLOGY PROGRAM. Series of
activities and discussions will encourage you to explore and learn about the topic.
Through this module, the following instruction/s should be followed.

1. This module is exclusively for SLCB students only.

2. Reproduction and use of this module for any purpose is strictly prohibited, unless
with the written permission from SLCB.
3. You may use this module for any acceptable purposes.

JACKSON BACACAO