Chugyawi, Frances Faith P.

Lie Detection Technique

1-4 Pm, T and 1-3 Pm, TH

Instructor: Sir Ben S. Marrero Jr.

Module 2

Pre-Test

1. B
2. A
3. D
4. B
5. A
6. C
7. C
8. E
9. B

10. A

11. B

12. C

13. A

14. E

15. B

16. C

17. B

18. E

19. B

20. A

21. D

22. C

23. B

24. A

25. A
Lesson 1: Foundation of Polygraph Technique, the Instrument and the
Examination

It’s Your Turn

1. Explain the theory and concept of Polygraphy?

-Polygraphy, is based on the theory that lying produces particular

emotions, which produce corresponding measurable physiological responses.
Psychophysiological lie detection dates back thousands of years. Modern
polygraphy measures blood pressure, breathing, and skin conductance.
Alternative metrics such as voice stress analysis and functional magnetic
resonance imaging are as yet unproven. The control question test uses
relevant, control, and irrelevant questions. A larger response to the relevant
questions is considered evidence of deception. The guilty knowledge test uses
concealed information questions and irrelevant questions. The analytic theory
of polygraph testing is that greater changes in physiological activity are loaded
at different types of test stimuli as a function of deception and truth-
telling in response to relevant target stimuli. According to this analytic
theory, interpretation of changes in physiological activity is a matter
partitioning the observable, measurable, and quantifiable variation in the
recorded data for different types of test stimuli. Most importantly, this
analytic theory for polygraph testing does not depend on the false
hypothesis that responses are driven by fear, or any other single emotion, or
any single psychological process.

2. Select five parts of an anolog polygraph and explain the function of such
parts.

a. Chart Paper Cutter- It separates the paper after examination of the

subject.

b. Chart Paper Press- It holds the paper firmly during the examination of
the subject.

c. Pen lift- It lifts the pens when changing chart paper roll to avoid
unnecessary marks on the chart paper.

d. Sphygmomanometer- It shows the blood pressure of the subject

during the questioning of the subject.

e. On/Off Button- It is a part of the analog polygraph that is pressed to

provide electrical power to the instrument.

3. Explain the phases of Polygraph Examination.

a. Initial Interview with the Investigator Handling the Case

-In this phase the investigator handling the case will obtain the
examinee’s version of the facts regarding the specific issue under
investigation.
 b. Pre-test interview with the subject to be examined

-The phase where the examiner will obtain the consent the
examinee to undergo the test, advise the examinee of his or her
constitutional rights, provide the examinee with a detailed explanation of
the polygraph procedure and establish the examinee’s psychological and
physiological history in order to determine whether he or she is fit to
undergo a polygraph examination.

c. Conduct of instrumental test

-Just before the beginning of the examination, the blood pressure

cuff will be inflated to a pressure of 60 mmHg. The examiner will then
ask the examinee the series of questions that were formulated and
reviewed during the pre-test interview. It will be asked a minimum of
three times. As the examinee answers the questions, his or her
physiological data are continuously collected, measured and recorded by
the polygraph instrument.

d. Post Interview

-During this last phase, the examiner will analyze and evaluate the
physiological data by means of a numerical qualification system, and will
render the result. If the result is no deception detected then the subject
will be released.

4. “Always objectivity over subjectivity” is the Cardinal Rule during Polygrapgh

Examination. Why?

-It means that the examiner base his or her conclusion on whatever the
result of the examination and not base on the subject or the polygraph
examiner’s belief to a void bias. Thus, the polygraph examiner should always
trust and believe on the result of the examination not on his or her gut feeling.

Lesson 2: Chart Markings and Chart Interpretations

It’s Your Turn

1. What is the importance of chart markings?

-Chart markings is very important because the signs and symbols are
the guides of the examiner in interpreting the chart, chart without marking will
lead to confusion. Also without markings of any kind, it is impossible to
evaluate the chart and arrive at ant conclusion.

2. Why do we have to interpret the polygraph charts?

-We have to interpret the polygraph charts to determine if the subject is

telling the truth or she/he is lying. The accuracy of instrumental detection
deception depends on the examiner’s ability to diagnose truth or deception,
therefore interpreting polygraph chart needs to be done thoroughly to arrive at
a result that is accurate.
3. Explain the rules in chart interpretation?

a. There must be a specific response.

-The response of the subject is the same or occurs in two or more

charts.

b. To be specific, it must form a deviation from the norm.

-The response should constitute deviation from the subject’s norm.

c. The specific responses must appear in at least two test charts.

-It means that the specific response should occur in two or more
charts.

d. the best indication of deception is the simultaneously specific in three

tracing chart.

-The sign that occurs simultaneously or at one time in three

tracings of the chart gives the best indication of deception.

Lesson 3: Question Formulation and Test Construction

It’s Your Turn

1. What is the importance of question formulation in deception detection?

-Question formulation is the key component to a successful detection of

deception and one of the clinical aspects of polygraphy. Also, the questions are
framed in words that the subject can fully understand wherein he/she can be
able to provide answer or response. Test questions are like tools wherein the
examiner needs to use the proper tool to get the task accomplished in the most
efficient manner on the other hand using the inappropriate tools may lead to
diagnostic errors, inconclusive results and even criticisms from other
professionals.

2. What is the connection between Control Questions and Relevant Questions?

-Control Questions are designed to arouse a subject’s concern about

their past truthfulness while Relevant Questions ask about a crime they know
they did not commit. A pattern of greater physiological to relevant questions
than to control questions lead to a diagnosis of deception. Greater response to
control questions leads to a judgement of non-deception. If no difference is
found between relevant and control questions the test result is considered
inclusive. Therefore, both control and relevant questions are designed to
produce strong emotional response.
3. Explain the difference between Backster’s Zone Comparison Technique with
that of Utah Probable Lie Test.

-Backster’s Zone Comparison Technique was developed by Cleve

Backster that encompasses three zones (black, red and green), two of which
(red and green) are compared and quantified for a determination of truth or
deception. Generally speaking, the zone comparison polygraph technique
remains the standard operating method in polygraph circles worldwide. Utah
Probable Lie Test is constructed with question modules, typically consisting of
irrelevant, probable-lie comparison, and relevant questions. Backster’s Zone
Comparison Technique and Utah Probable Lie Test differ when it comes to the
sequence of questions formulated. In short, the Backster’s Zone Comparison
Technique is for comparing while Utah Probable Lie Test is for assumption or
probability of the subject’s deception.

Lesson 4: Scoring System and Report Making

It’s Your Turn

1. What is the significance of the scoring system of the polygraph examination

result?

-The significance of the scoring system of the polygraph examination

result is it will serve as an aid to the polygraph examiner in the report making
since this system will be used in chart interpretation which is applied into a
simulated chart paper on the laboratory activity on the part of the examiner.
Besides, the scoring technique which is correctly used will lead to knowing a
truthful subject or a deceitful one.

2. Why do we have to construct a polygraph examination report?

-We have to construct a polygraph examination report so that the

examiner can determine if the subject lied in answering the question or he0she
was truthful in answering it. In addition, a well compiled polygraph report can
affect the decision of the judge. Thus, the report should contain the subject’s
personal information, knowledge on the case being investigated, findings with
the questions asked and the post-test admission or confession to know if there
is a need for thorough investigation.

Lesson 5: Legal Aspects of Polygraph Examination Result

1. What can be the possible limitations of polygraph exam result during court
proceedings?

- The polygraph exam result is accepted during court proceedings but it

has its limitation wherein if the subject was not telling the truth, the subject is
now guilty. The test will not be used to prove an element of the crime but
indicates that at the time of the examination, the subject was not telling the
truth. So, the statements and confessions of the subject that was obtained
through the test are admissible provided that he was appraised of his rights
and in the presence of a counsel. Another possible limitation could be the
qualification and training of the examiner to see or to make his or her findings
on the report be acknowledge by the opposing party and the judge therein and
the counsel of both party should approve its acceptance.

2. How can the polygraph exam result help the victims, suspects and or law
enforcers during criminal investigation?

-To the victims polygraph exam result will give them hope that the
suspect can be detected if he/she will lie in answering the questions and will
lead to faster process of the case and justice will prevail swiftly. To the suspect,
the result will help him to prove that he is telling the truth with the regards
with the case being investigated. For the law enforcers, they use the polygraph
result as an aid in criminal investigation as it can give them a clue in
identifying the real perpetrator.

3. What can be the possible role of a polygraph examiner before, during, and
after the court proceedings?

- The role of the polygraph examiner before the court proceedings is to

prepare the written reports about the result of the examination and to let the
Investigator on Case know whether or not to conduct thorough investigation or
interrogation to the subject emphasizing the subject’s involvement and
knowledge to the case therein. During the court proceedings, the polygraph
examiner is expected to testify in court as an expert witness and to explain the
result of the subject’s response with regards with the questions asked. After
the court proceedings, the polygraph examiner is expected to continue his/her
job.
Post Assessment

1. mental state

2. Tracing changed caused by outside stimuli

3.

4. No deception indicated

5. Relevant or Critical

6. The Secondary Control Question

7. Knowledge Question

8. Sacrifice Relevant

9. Relevant or Critical

10. Comparison or Control

11. Irrelevant

12. Introductory or Symptomatic

13. Symptomatic Question

14. Guilt Complex Question

15.

16.

17. Primary Control

18. Irrelevant

19. Evidence Connecting

20. Knowledge

21. Secondary Control

22. Symptomatic

23.

24. The Secondary Control Question

25. Inconclusive