Module 5: Polygraph

Examination

Module Overview

With in process of investigation, a polygraph examination is commonly used as a technical or

investigative aid. It is used to verify the statements of the victims/complainants, establish the
credibility of witnesses, and assess the suspect's honesty. This module will primarily cover
the concepts, goals, applications, and ideal setup of a polygraph examination. Similarly, the
process of conducting a polygraph examination will be clarified. This module was broken
down into two parts;
Lesson 5.1: The Concepts of Polygraph Examination; and
Lesson 5.2: The Conduct of Polygraph Examination.

Motivation Question
Have you ever witnessed or seen how Polygraph Examination is done? If yes, what have you
observed?
Lesson 5.1: The Concepts of Polygraph
Examination

Lesson Summary
During the course of an investigation, a polygraph examination is commonly used to
scrutinize and verify one's statements. This module will cover the following topics: overview,
objectives, importance, limitations, factors that may affect test results, and the ideal set-up for
conducting polygraph examinations.

Learning Outcomes
1. To grasp the various relevant concepts under Polygraph Examination;
2. To internalize and elucidate the essential functions and role of Polygraph
Examination to investigation and court trial; and
3. To recognize the variuos factors that may affect or contribute to the results of
Polygraph Examination.

Motivation Question
What do you think is an ideal polygraph examination room? Can you please illustrate your
idea.

Discussion
Overview and Concept of Polygraph Examination
In the course of an investigation, a polygraph examination is widely used as a
technical or investigative aid. It is used to verify the statements of the
victims/complainants, establish the credibility of witnesses, and assess the suspect's
honesty. It refers to the entire questioning process, as well as the choice of one chart
from a series of questions, or the entire test's charts and question sheets. The
Polygraph Chart, also known as the Polygrams, is a permanent chart or graph that
records all emotional patterns based on a series of questions. The person who
conducts the actual polygraph test or examination is known as a polygraphist or a
polygraph examiner. The Forensic Psychophysiologist is another name for them.
Polygraph tests are used to obtain admission and confession from the subject under
investigation. Confession is a statement of facts that directly admits the truth of the
charged guilt or of some essential part of the commission of the criminal acts,
whereas admission is a self-incriminating statement of facts made by the accused that
does not directly involve an admission of guilt for the crime with which he is charged.
The Subject is anyone who is undergoing a polygraph examination or test, regardless
of whether they are the victim, witness, or suspect of the crime. Preliminary
Preparation, Conduct of Pre-Test Interview with the Persons to be Examined, Conduct
of the Actual Instrumental Test, and Post-Test Interrogation are the various stages or
phases in the conduct of a polygraph examination.
Objectives of Polygraph Examination
The main goal of each allied science under Criminalistics is to assist and augment the
investigator during the investigation; as a result, the investigation's findings must be
used to accomplish the following objectives:
1. Obtain additional investigation leads to the facts of the case /offenses
Polygraph testing is regarded as a technical or investigative aid. It primarily aids in
confirming the veracity of statements made by those involved in a particular case, and
it is also one of the methods for obtaining new relevant data or information from
subjects during questioning. In this way, by conducting the test, it will be able to
obtain and provide fresh and new facts about the case, which the investigators will be
able to use.
2. Ascertain if the person is telling the truth
Polygraph results, in theory, reveal and reveal changes in the subject's physiological
responses, making it possible to determine whether the person is lying or telling the
truth. While a polygraph examination does not confirm a subject's ability to lie, it can
determine the subject's intentional alteration or reluctance on statements given by the
subject using the subject's test results from his Polygraph Examination, allowing for
the detection of his deception.
3. Locate the fruits or tools of the crime and whereabouts of wanted persons
During the conduct of the polygraph examination, the subject must go through a series
of interviews, including the initial interview, the polygraph examination proper, and
the post interrogation stage. During this process, the Polygraph Examiner has the
opportunity to ask the subject a variety of questions. By obtaining such information
and evaluating the subject's statement, a high probability of determining the case's
origin, whereabouts, and all relevant information will be achieved.
4. Identify other persons involved (Accomplices)
Similarly, in addition to knowing the case's fruits or tools and the whereabouts of the
wanted persons, possible or potential accomplices in the crime can be identified. This
can be accomplished by thoroughly questioning the subject under investigation or by
conducting an investigation to verify the subject's statement or leads.
5. Obtain valuable information from reluctant witnesses
One of the challenges a polygraph examiner may face is gaining the trust and
confidence of the witness, victim, or suspect during an interview or interrogation.
There are subjects who are cooperative and willing to share and tell their personal
knowledge about the issue at hand, but there are also subjects who are reluctant or
non-cooperative. These are the types of subjects who, for various reasons, do not
provide complete and detailed information; however, their response to questions can
be determined using a polygraph instrument, and as a result, they have no choice but
to provide information in response to the questions asked.
6. Eliminate Innocent suspects
Being suspected to be mistakenly involved in a particular crime is one of the fears of
the subjects that is why, undergoing polygraph examination is preferred by some
suspected individual. One of the major role of the olygraph examination is the
elimination of the innocent suspects from list who will undergo investigation.
Through the interview and test results, possible detection of truthful individuals
maybe achieved and that innocent people would be eliminated.
Principal Uses of Polygraph Examination
While the allied sciences under Criminalistics can be used in a variety of cases and
contribute to the progress of an investigation, it is necessary to understand the main or
primary purpose for which such an empirical method is being used. Polygraphy has
the following primary uses:
1. Aid in investigating criminal incidents and issues
Evidence gathered and collected by the investigator may not always be admissible
unless it is accompanied by empirical justifications provided by experts; thus, a
simple statement may not be accepted in court unless it is assessed and verified by
competent experts. When requested and allowed by the preciding judge, the
verifiability and genuineness of the statement can be used as evidence in court using
Polygraph Examination; thus, the confirmatory of the statement is highly valid and
acknowledged.
2. Speeds up the process of investigation
To expedite the investigation, criminal investigators turn to the allied sciences of
criminalistics, one of which is polygraphy. Polygraphy is used to assist the
investigator in verifying the statements of the people involved in the investigation.
The validity and admissibility of the gathered information can be well supported by
using such scientific methods, especially if presented in court as one of the evidences
gathered for the crime under investigation.
3. Eliminate innocent suspects
One of the subjects' greatest fears is being wrongfully accused of committing a crime,
which is why some suspects prefer to undergo a polygraph examination. One of the
most important functions of the olygraph examination is to eliminate innocent
suspects from the investigation list. The results of the interview and tests may allow
for the identification of honest people and the exclusion of those who are not.
4. Pre-employment screening
Polygraph Examination is used in the Philippines primarily as an investigative aid in
the conduct of investigations, but it is also used in other countries, particularly during
Pre-Employment Screening. They use the instrument to get a better understanding of
and articulate the personality and whereabouts of the person applying for a job.
5. Honesty test (Loyalty Check)
Because polygraph results are based on the measurement or recording of changes in
the subject's physiological responses, this examination has also been used to verify the
loyalty and honesty of members of a group, entity, company, or organization.
Importance of lie detection in any type of investigation
Polygraph examinations are not limited to one specific offense or crime under
investigation; they can be used in any type of investigation involving interview and
interrogation. The following are some of the reasons why polygraph examination is so
important in the field of investigation:
a. With the use of polygraph instrument, it is possible to detect deception with greater
speed and accuracy.
b. The instrument, the test and procedure have decided psychological effect in
inducing confession from a guilty subject.
c. By means of the scientific techniques, the innocent persons are immediately
eliminated and spared from fear, embarrassment and inconvenience.
d. The use of availability of the polygraph examination techniques will minimize the
use of THIRD DEGREE practices particularly upon innocent subjects.
e. To get all the facts of the case regarding the offense under investigation.
The Ideal Polygraph Examination Room
In the conduct of the Polygraph Examination, the Polygraph Examinaer must consider
the following set-up or ambiance that could not affect or hinder in the success of the
polygraph examination;
1.Proper location of a room that is free from vehicular and human traffic and
preferably on the ground floor.
2.It must be conveniently ventilated or air – conditioned.
3.The room must be convenient in size with an adjoining observation room equipped
with “one – way mirror”, microphone, tape recorder and amplifier.
4.The room must be soundproof and acoustic.
5.The room must have an outlet of 110 volts to 60 cycles.
6.Color of the room must not be glaring to the eyes, blue or plain white will do.
7.The room must not possess any telephone, decorated picture frames, ornamentals,
etc.
8.Must have system to indicate when room is occupied or not.
9.Must have one door only.

Limitations of the polygraph

As much polygraph examination helps in the Investigation process, it has also its
limitations to be observed;
1.It is an investigative aid, but never a substitute for an investigation.
2.It is not a lie detector, but it is a scientific diagnostic instrument.
3.It does not determine facts, but a diagnostic reaction.
4.It records responses, which the subject knows to be the truth.
5.The test will not be given until enough facts of the case have been established to
permit an examiner to prepare a complete set of suitable questions.
6.A test will not be given without voluntary consent of the subject.
7.A test will not be given until the accusations have been explained to the subject.
8. No indication will be given to any person or place in any report that a person will
be considered guilty because he refuse to take the test.
9. No attempt to use polygraph for mental or physical evaluation of any person.
10. No examination can be conducted to an unfit subject.
Factors that could affect te success or the failure of the Polygraph Examination
During a trial, the court considers and acknowledges empirical methods or scientific
ways of analyzing the information or data gathered, so experts doing laboratory work
should be very careful to ensure that no data is contaminated, just as the examiner
should be extra careful during the conduct of the Polygraph Examination. The
following are some of the possible factors that could influence whether or not a
polygraph examination is successful:
1. Adequate examination facilities
The adequacy or sufficiency of the examination facilities, specifically the Polygraph
Instrument, is one of the most important considerations for a Polygraph examiner.
Before conducting the examination, the Examiner should ensure that the instrument is
in good working order and will perform well during questioning. The instrument must
be in good working order according to the manufacturer's specifications, the
attachments must be spotless clean, and the examiner must properly explain how the
instrument works and how it is used during the examination.
2. Privacy must be assured
Away from any noise or disturbance is the best ambiance a polygraph examination
room should be located. The examiner should make sure that no distraction of any
noise will be heard during the conduct of the examination to maintain the focus of the
subject towards the test and to make sure that the subject could not make the
disturbances an alibi or reason why there was a sudden change in his physiological
recordings. Likewise, privacy must be ensured in order to avoid the conduct of the
exam being repeated.
3. Establishment of proper rapport between examiner and subject
An effective examiner is one who can gain the subject's trust and confidence, which
can only be accomplished by establishing a good rapport or relationship between the
examiner and the subject. Being a Polygraph Examiner is akin to being a psychologist
in that you can direct the conversation and allow the subject to recognize you as an
individual without any personal gain from the questioning. The examiner should make
certain that the subject understands why the examination is being conducted.
4. Reaching of the subject’s level of understanding (terminology,
communication)
There are several types of people who will be subjected to a polygraph examination.
These people each have their own level of understanding and perception when it
comes to certain topics. In order to better communicate and avoid offending the
subject's ego, the Polygraph Examiner should determine the type of personality and
understanding the subject possesses. The choice of words is crucial in ensuring that
your point of view is not misunderstood by your audience.
5. Permitting the subject to tell his side of the story
The subject has the opportunity to speak and tell his own perception during the
preliminary stage or phase of the Polygraph Examination. In this case, the examiner
should allow the subject to speak and share his side of the story or version of the story
in order to boost his confidence and reduce his anxiety. Examinees who are
intimidated by the examiner are more jittery and reactive. Allowing them to speak has
an advantage for the examiner in that the subject's statements can be used as a basis
for question formulation, especially in preparation for the Polygraph Examination
Proper.
6. The Subject of the examination
Physical and mental capabilities, past associations, economic and educational status,
employment, background, sensitivity to right or wrong, subject's personal projection
should all be taken into account by the Polygraph Examiner when formulating the
questions to be asked during the polygraph examination (his security manifestation
and insecurity manifestation)
7. Chart Interpretation
The ability of the polygraph examiner to interpret polygrams following the
examination is another factor to consider. He must be able to distinguish between
responses that contain or do not contain deception criteria. He must be completely
familiar with the chart markings of guilty potentials and collusion potentials, as well
as the consequences that will befall the guilty subject.
8. The Examiner
Among all the variables that may influence the test results, the polygraph examiner, or
the person who administers the test, must be given careful consideration. The
examiner must be in good physical and mental health, as well as being a professional
examiner. He must be familiar with the examiner's techniques and approaches to the
examination process; however, if the examiner is ineffective in his work, the results
may be contaminated or no accurate results will be obtained.
Lesson 5.2: The Conduct of Polygraph
Examination

Lesson Summary
An interview or interrogation technique and a psychophysiological measurement or testing
technique are combined to create a polygraph test and its result. It is defined by the
examination of the subject's physiological responses. As part of the process of obtaining
reliable examination information, it goes through a series of stages. This lesson will cover the
steps involved in conducting a polygraph examination, including how to write a test question
and how to ask questions during the investigation.
Learning Outcomes

1. To know the know-hows on how to conduct the Polygraph Examination;

2. To determine the phases of examination in conducting polygraph exam; and
3. To be able to formulate various categories of questions used during polygraph/lie detection
technique.

Motivation Question
Why do you think is the essence of conducting preliminary interview towards the subject
before he could proceed to polygraph examination proper?

Discussion
Preliminary Preparations for a Polygraph Examination
In order to conduct a sufficient evaluation, the examiner must obtain accurate
information about all available facts and circumstances that support the suspicion or
accusation leveled against the person under investigation. If a victim or eyewitness to
an incident is available, he should be questioned.
A crime scene sketch prepared by a knowledgeable investigator is usually preferable
to verbal descriptions or even photographs for polygraph examination purposes. For
this purpose, rough sketches supplemented by the investigator's verbal details are less
revealing than rough sketches.
Although the polygraph records themselves are commonly an accurate diagnosis of
truth or deception by a competent examiner, preliminary observations of the subject
from the time he enters the examiner's office or reception room until he is escorted
into the examination room can provide valuable information. The examiner will
benefit greatly from a secretary's or receptionist's recorded observations of the
subject's general conduct or behavior while in the waiting room. They will give him a
hint or a guide to the most effective handling of the subject, especially with regard to
his possible resentment toward the test or other attitude that needs to be understood
and alleviated before the test is administered.
Four Phases/Stages of Polygraph Examination
1. Initial Interview with the investigator handling the case.
This includes obtaining and evaluating facts of the case, determining the areas which
the subject’s need to be asked and the investigator must furnish to the examiner the
vital documents necessary to the matter under investigation such as;
a. Sworn statement of the complaint victim/s, suspect/s and the witnesses
b. Incident or spot report
c. Specific articles and exact amount of money stolen.
d. The exact time, date and place of occurrence of the crime.
e. Exact type of weapons, tools or firearms used.
f. The facts indicating any connections between the suspects, victims and witnesses.
g. Known facts about the suspect’s movement before and after the incidents.
h. Peculiar aspects of the offense or any strange acts at the crime scene.
i. Results of other laboratory tests.
j. Unpublished facts of the crime known only by the victims, suspects and the
investigator on case.
2. The Conduct of Pre – Test Interview with the persons to be examined
During the pre-test interview, use a completely objective and objective approach
while maintaining a friendly demeanor. There should be no approach used that could
cause the subject or examinee to become enraged. As a result, no accusatory tone
should be used. The subject is usually the best source of information about the
subject's behavior.
The examiner should determine whether the subject is physically uncomfortable
during the pre-test interview, whether due to the temperature in the examination room
or other factors such as the need to use the restroom. Some subjects, particularly the
truthful ones, are hesitant to request the use of restroom facilities, which can make
them feel uneasy throughout the test. Any discomfort of this nature may have a
significant impact on the test's accuracy.
The pre-test interview's main goal is to prepare the subject for the test. Preparations of
the Examiner with the subject before the test.
1.Informing the subject of his involvement of the case.
2.The appraisal of the subject’s constitutional rights.
3.Obtain subject’s consent to undergo polygraph test.
4.The taking of the subject’s personal data.
5.Evaluating the subject’s personal data.
6.Determine his or her suitability as a subject.
Source: PAP Academy Instructional Materials
Figure 22. Consent Form

Source: PAP Academy Instructional Materials

Figure 23. Interrogators Log
3. The Conduct of the Actual Instrumental Test
Following the pre-test interview, the examiner should proceed to attach polygraph
components, such as cardiosphygmograph and galvanograph components, to the
subjects. Examine all of the questions you've prepared with the subject and determine
his response to each one. Although the examiner should answer (as briefly as possible)
the subject's questions about the instrument, the examiner should discourage the
subject from making any lengthy comments or statements about the matter or incident
under investigation, or his disclaimer of responsibility for it. The subject should be
given test instructions. During the test, any movement of the subject's body will affect
the tracing results on the chart paper. To avoid distortion on the chart tracings, the
subject's responses to all questions are limited to Yes or No.
Operation of the Instrument
During the conduct of Polygraph Examination, the following steps should be
followed and remembered by the polygraph examiner;
1. Pneumo, galvo and cardio attachment properly and snugly applied to Subject’s
body.
2. Turn-On master electrical control switch. Adequate warm-up time must be
allowed (up to two (2) minutes).
3. Turn-On kymograph switch, putting chart into motion.
4. Release pneumo vent and establish pattern base with pneumo balance knob.
5. Increase sensitivity dial to 10,000 ohms, or until galvo pen drops to baseline.
6. Center galvo pen on chart with balance control knob. Note sensitivity of tracing
and increase or decrease as necessary.
7. Release galvo vent.
8. Release tubing clamp on cardio hand-pump assembly.
9. Commence steady rhythmic pumping pressure until sphygmomanometer hand
reaches mean blood pressure.
10. Secure tubing clamp on cardio hand-pump assembly.
11. Release Cardio pen lock.
12. Adjust cardio pattern on chart with centering knob.
Table 3. Common Chart Markings
Chart Mrakings Representation
1) + positive answer of the subject
2) - negative answer of the subject
3) ↑ upward baseline adjustment
4) ↓ downward baseline adjustment
5) C+ increase in galvo sensitivity
6) C- decrease in galvo sensitivity
7) M movement
8) S sigh
9) DB deep breath
10)C cough
11) CT clear throat
12) SN sniffed
13) SZ sneezed
14) Y yawn
15) ││ stimulus marking
16) B belch
17) L laugh
18) T indicates talking
19) T-T indicates the length of talking by subject
20) SW swallow or gulp
21) CR crying by subjects
22) OS outside stimulus
23) .. two dots - indicates a changes in
subject voice
24) .... four dots – indicates involuntary
subject’s
25) NG/SC normal galvo or self centering galvo
26) X indicates the test beginning
27) XX indicates the test ending

This table shows the common chart markings that are found on the polygrams.

The following chart markings found below is the proper markings written on the
polygrams when the polygraph examination proper starts;
X
8:30am 90 / 20,000 / NG

8:30am = time when the test started

90 = millimeter of mercury as shown in sphyg dial
X = indicates the test beginning
20,000 = ohms of electrical resistance
NG = normal galvo/self centering
This is the proper chart markings after the conduct of Polygraph Examination;
XX
 90 / 20,000 / NG 8:38am

90 = millimeter of mercury as shown in sphyg dial

20,000 = ohms of electrical resistance
NG = normal galvo/self centering
XX = indicates the test ending
8:38 = the time the test concluded

4. Post – Test Interrogation

After the polygraph examiner has determined that his subject is guilty based on the
charts obtained, he uses an interrogation technique to obtain an admission or
confession. The following are the steps to take;
1. Inform the subject that he can’t be cleared from his chart;
2. Convince the subject that the responses were created due to his own emotions and
not by any mechanical manipulations by the examiner,
3. Use persuasiveness, sympathetic attitude and the perseverance in eliciting
admission or confession;
4. Point out recorded reaction with a brief explanation of their significance as
objective, concrete and tangible evidence that the eye can see and the mind can easily
grasp;
5. Listen attentively to any ramification, pursue a line of mild interrogation as to the
reason why the criminal act was committed or how it was done.
6. In some cases, rationalize the subject’s act by offering a way to excuse his conduct
or minimize the significance or shift the blame to someone or some situation.
7. If a confession is forthcoming, allow the subject to talk and relate it in his own
words, tactfully concentrate on possibility of recovering physical evidence that
support confession and, if possible, request the subject to write out in his own hand
the whole story;
8. Listen carefully to specific details and write it down at the first opportunity;
9.9.Inform the investigator what the examiner gathered, and let him take the necessary
formal statements; and
10. If no confession is derived, released subject in cordial manner.
11. If the subject’s polygraph recording indicate that he or she is innocent, then the
examiner must release the subject and thank him for his cooperation.

Four (4) Kinds of Polygraph Tracing Segment:

1. Average Tracing Segment
This is a section of a tracing that shows no physiological evidence in the emotional
level on the polygraph chart – polygrams – in the stress area.

Source: PAP Academy InStructionl Materials

Figure 24. Sample Polygram of Average Tracing segment

2. Reaction Tracing Segment

Following the stress area on the polygraph chart, a segment within a tracing that
shows physiological evidence that the sympathetic subdivision of the autonomic
nervous system has become (more) active, indicating a psychological return to the
subject's exhibited average emotional level.

Source: PAP Academy InStructionl Materials

Figure 25. Sample Polygram of Reaction Tracing Segment

3. Relief Tracing Segment

Following the stress area on the polygraph chart, a segment within a tracing that
shows physiological evidence that the parasympathetic subdivision of the autonomic
nervous system has become (more) active, indicating a physiological return to the
subject's exhibited average emotional level.

Source: PAP Academy InStructionl Materials

Figure 26. Sample Polygram of Relief Tracing Segment

4. Distortion Tracing Segment

A segment of a tracing that deviates from the average emotional level but does not
show physiological evidence of sympathetic or parasympathetic activation within the
stress area on the polygraph chart, indicating a psychological origin.

Source: PAP Academy InStructionl Materials

Figure 27. Sample Polygram of Distortion Tracing Segment
Sample of a Truthful Polygrams (NSR)

Source: PAP Academy InStructionl Materials

Figure 28. Sample Polygram of a Truthful Result

Sample of a Deceptive Polygrams (SR)

Source: PAP Academy InStructionl Materials

Figure 29. Sample Polygram of a Deceptive Result
Kinds of Polygraph Test Results or Findings

1. NSR – No Specific Response indicative of deception

(Negative or Truthful Results)
2. SR – Specific Response indicative of deception
(Positive or Deceptive Results)
2. INC – Inconsistent (Private Practice only)

Sample Polygraph Test/Examination Report

Source: PAP Academy InStructionl Materials
Figure 30. Sample Polygraph Test Result

Actual Test Activities or Procedures

1. Preliminaries – the mere observation made by the Examiner to the subject upon
his/her arrival until the subject is brought to the examination.
2. Pre-Test or Interview – an initial interview made upon the subject before the actual
test or polygraph test or polygraph examination is made.
3. Test/Question Preparation – test question formulation.
4. Instrumental attachment – the placement of the instrumental attachment upon the
body of the subject for Polygraph Test.
5. Review of the test question upon the subject.
6. Actual or activation of the instrument, actual questioning and deactivation of the
instrument.
7. Diagnosis, reading and chart evaluation and interpretation.
8. Post interview.
9. Release of the subject.
10. Report writing.
The Polygraph Examiner
A polygraph examiner is someone who is trained and capable of detecting deception
or verifying the truthfulness of a statement using instrumentation or a mechanical
device. The basic instrumentation for detecting deception or verifying the truthfulness
of a statement must be capable of simultaneously recording physiological responses
on a moving chart.
1. He must remember that he is an unbiased seeker of the truth, that he must conduct
his examination in a professional and impartial manner, and that he must not allow his
personal feelings, sympathies, or prejudice to influence the examination's outcome.
2. He must always remember his primary responsibility to his subjects, which is to
provide them with all possible safeguards against error, and he must never accept any
subject for polygraph examination who is physically or mentally unfit.
3. Technically, he must have a thorough understanding of the instrument, including
its capabilities and limitations, as well as the most up-to-date polygraph technique,
polygraph examination conduct, and chart interpretation.
4. Morally, he must have a genuine desire to be a polygraph examiner in the strictest
sense, devoting himself to the polygraph profession by maintaining a high level of
personal integrity and continually improving personal proficiency through study and
research.
Test Question Formulation
The phrasing of the test questions is a critical aspect of the examination. The
questions, as well as every word used in them, must be clear, unequivocal, and
completely understandable to the subject.
The questions must be stated as simply as possible, with no double inquiries such as,
“Did you shoot him and then run into the house?” Or “Did you hit him and steal his
money?” which combines two sets of facts and events, one of which could be
answered with a truthful YES and the other with a truthful NO.
Long questions should be avoided at all costs. A long question can also be perplexing.
To be briefer and clearer, words like murder, rape, and embezzlement should not be
used in the test questions. Instead, use shoot, stab, and steal.
Types of Questions
Various types of questions are being employed by the Polygraph Examiner in order to
successfully achieve the conduct of polygraph examination. These are as follows;
1. Irrelevant Questions
A question that is based on information that is unrelated to the subject of the
investigation and addresses a known fact about which the subject cannot lie. The
Purpose of this type of question is to re-establish the subject's normal tracing and
response capability (excitement level) in response to verbal stimuli.

2. Relevant Questions
These are questions derived from information about the examination's subject and
aimed at determining the subject's knowledge of, or truthfulness or deception
regarding, the issue in question. The purpose of this type of question is as follows;
a. To produce a change from the subject’s norm tracing plus excitement level plus
stimulus.
b. To detect deception as a result of physiological changes in subject’s norm.
c. To resolve objectivity of the polygraph examination via chart probe and further
testing on potential reaction that result.
There are classes of Relevant Questions;
a. Strong or primary relevant which has an intense and specific relationship to the
offense or problem being considered; while
b. Secondary or weak relevant are questions which deals with secondary element of
the crime and probe mostly on guilty knowledge and partial involvement. The
following are the tyoes of the Secondary types of relevant questions;
A. Sacrifice or DYAT Question
These are questions designed to uncover the subject ’ s attitude, cooperation
towards the test.
DYAT – Do You Intend to Answer the questions Truthfully?
B. Knowledge or DYK
These are types of questions designed to probe whether the subject possess
information regarding the identity of the offender, the location of the evidence or
other necessary elements of the case facts.
DYK – Do You Know?
C. Evidence -Connecting Questions
These are questions about some specific piece of evidence found at the scene of the
crime, to focus the subject’s attention on the probabilityof incriminating proof that
would establish his guilt.
D. LTQ Questions
These are types of questions used for protection against loss of psychological control
as approaching the end of the question series.
LTQ – Lied To any Questions.
3. Control Questions
These are questions about a wrongdoing that is unrelated to the offense under
investigation but is of a similar and less serious nature, and to which the subject will
lie or, if he does not lie, will think about it at the time it is asked or be unsure of the
complete truthfulness of his answer. The purpose of this question are as follows;
a. In the subject's truthful responses to questions about the offense, to cause greater
stress than an offense (relevant) question.
b. In deceitful subjects, to elicit less stress than the offense (relevant) questions.
4. Guilt Complex Questions
These are the types of questions that are asked about a fictitious crime that is almost
identical in nature and weight to the one being investigated. The following is the
purpose of this question;
a. To see if the subject has an abnormal mental association and is a guilt complex
reactor.
b. To determine if the subject is exhibiting reflected reactions as a result of knowledge
of a criminal accomplice in a similar situation.
c. To help determine if there is deception in answering the relevant questions
pertaining to the offense under investigation.
5. Symptomatic Questions
This type of question is about the subject's faith in the examiner's ability to keep the
investigation focused on the original problem. The purpose of this types of question is
to determine the presence of the subject's unrelated fears or apprehensions.
5. SKY Questions
These three (3) questions are grouped together and only appear on the Backster Zone
Comparison Test's fourth chart. S = Suspect (example). Do you think you'll find out
who committed the crime? K stands for "know" or "knowledge," and Y stands for
"you.". The purpose of this type of question is To confirm a specific response from
previous charts and to detect indirect or direct involvement or knowledge of guilt.

Table 4. Specific Test Construction

Test Question Type Test Question Construction
1. Irrelevant
2. Irrelevant
3. Relevant
a. Keeler Relevant – Irrelevant 4. Irrelevant
5. Relevant
6. Irrelevant
7. Relevant
8. Relevant
9. Irrelevant
10. Relevant
11. Relevant
1. Irrelevant
2. Irrelevant
3. Relevant
4. Irrelevant
5. Relevant
b. General Question Test 6. Gen. Control
7. Irrelevant
 8. Guilt Complex
9. Irrelevant
10. Relevant
11. Specific Control
1. Irrelevant
2. Sacrifice Relevant
3. Symptomatic
4. Primary Control
c. Backster – Zone Comparison 5. Strong Relevant
Test 6. Secondary Control
7. Strong Relevant
8. Symptomatic
9. Guilt Complex
10. Weak Relevant
11. S – suspect
12. K – knowledge
13. Y - you
d. Modified Relevant – Irrelevant 1. Irrelevant
Test 2. Irrelevant
3. Symptomatic
4. Norm
6. Norm
7. Norm
9. Issue Secondary
10. Norm
11. Issue Secondary
12. Norm
13. LTQ

1. Irrelevant
2. Irrelevant
3. Weak Relevant
4. Irrelevant
e. Reid Control Question 5. Strong Relevant
6. Primary Control
 7. Irrelevant
8. Evidence Connecting
9. Knowledge
10. Secondary Control

The abovementioned test question constructions are the variations of techniques that
can be used by the Polygraph Examiner in preparing and formatting his questions.

Rules to be Observe in Test Questions Preparation

The following are the rules that a Polygraph Examiner must observe when making or
ormulating questions;
1. The question must be generally answerable by either “yes” or “no” only.
2. It must refer to one offense only.
3. It must refer to one element of an offense.
4. It must be simple and direct.
5. It must be short as possible.
6. The meaning must be clear and unmistakable.
7. It must be phrased in language/dialects known and understood by the subject.
8. It should not involve any legal terminology such as rape, murder and assault.
9. It must never contain an influence of one’s religion, race or beliefs.
10. It must never contain an influence which presupposes knowledge on the part of
the subject.
11. It should not be in the form of accusation.

References and Additional Resources

Rajan, P.B., Polygraph Tests - Benefits and Challenges. Retrieved March 9, 2021, from
file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/Academicus-MMXIX-19-146-155.pdf.
Vicianova, M., Historical Techniques of Lie Detection. Retrieved March 9, 2021 from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4873061/

Palmiotto, M.J.,.Historical Review of Lie-Detection Methods Used in Detecting Criminal

Acts.
Retrieved March 9, 2021 from https://tinyurl.com/y72kakbe.