POLYGRAPHY

 It is the scientific method of detecting deception with the use of a polygraph instrument.

 It is a scientific diagnostic instrument used to record physiological changes in the blood

pressure, pulse rate, respiration and skin resistance of an examinee under controlled
condition.

derived from the two Greek words:

POLY means Many or More and

GRAPHOS which means Writings

Polygraphy

 It is also called “Truth Verifier” since statistics show that is the vast majority of the
instances the instrument verifies an innocent person’s truthfulness.

What are the objectives of a Polygraph Examination?

1. Obtain additional investigation leads to the facts of the case/offenses.

2. Ascertain if a person is telling the truth

3. Locate the fruits or tools of the crime or whereabouts of wanted persons.

4. Identify other persons involved.

5. Obtain valuable information form reluctant witnesses

6. Eliminate the innocent suspects.

What are the Principal uses of the polygraph?

1. Aid in investigation

2. Speeds up processing of investigation

3. Eliminates innocent suspects

4. Pre-employment screening

5. Honesty test (Periodic test)

DECEPTION

 is an act of deceiving of misleading which is accomplished by lying.

STIMULUS

 is the force or motion reaching the organism from the environment and excites
the preceptors.

REACTION
  is any activity aroused in an organism by a stimulus, which is of mental processes.

RESPONSE

 is any reaction, usually of muscular or glandular processes, that depends upon

stimulation.

SPECIFIC RESPONSE

 is one that is exhibited by the subject to a particular question, which is a deviation from
the norm.

SUBJECT

 refers to any person undergoing polygraph examination. He may be a suspect, the

complainant, the witness, the victims or relative of the victim or suspect (in cases of
criminal investigation or interrogation) or he may be an aspiring job applicant (in cases
of employment in a government or private institution undergoing screening though
loyalty test or integrity checking).

POLYGRAPH EXAMINER/POLYGRAPHIST or merely EXAMINER/EXPERT

 is the one conducting the test or examination.

LYING

 as commonly used in our study, creating a false or misleading impression with the
intention of wrongfully affecting the acts, opinion, or affection of another. It can be
accomplished either by:

The Kinds of Lie

White Lie or Benign Lie - the kind of lies used to protect or maintain the harmony of
friendship or any relationship.

Pathological Lie - this is a lie made by persons who cannot distinguish right from wrong.

Red Lie- this involves political interests and motives because this is a part of communist propaganda
strategy. This is prevalent in communist countries or communist infested nation. Lies of means of
propaganda-brain-washing and blackmail via espionage and treason.

Black Lie- a lie accompanies pretensions and hypocrisies, intriguing to cause dishonor or discredit
ones good image.

Malicious or Judicial Lie- this is very pure and unjustifiable kind of lie that is intended purely to
mislead or obstruct justice.

Types of Lies

1. Direct Denial

2. Lie of Omission

3. Lie of Fabrication
 4. Lie of Minimization

5. Lie of Exaggeration

Some Known Methods of Detecting Deceptions

1. Ancient Ordeals

2. Observation Methods

3. Regular Police Methods

4. Hypnotism

5. Word Association Test

6. Truth Serum Test/ Intoxication

7. Polygraphy

Some Ancient Ordeals of Detecting Lies

1. Red Hot Iron Ordeal

2. Ordeal of Balance

3. The Boiling Water Ordeal

4. Ordeal of the Red Water

5. Donkey’s Tail Ordeal

6. Rice Chewing Ordeal

7. Ordeal by Blessed Bread

Observation Methods

1. Thru Facial Expression

2. Thru Postural Reaction

3. Thru Cause and Effect Process, such as the stimulation-reaction or response test.

Thru Facial Expression

1. Blushing, paling or profuse sweating of forehead

2. Dilation of the eyes, protrusion of the eyeballs and elevation of upper eyelids

3. Squinting of the eyes (showing envy, disdain, distrust, etc.)

4. Twitching of the lips

5. Excessive winking of eyes

6. Failure to look the inquirer “straight into the eye”

7. Excessive activity of Adam’s apple and the vein at the temple due to dryness of throat and
mouth
 8. Quivering of nose or nostrils

9. A peculiar monotone of the voice

10. A forced laugh

11. Rolling of eyeballs from one direction to another

Thru Postural Reaction

1. Fidgeting, tapping or drumming of fingers on the chair or other surfaces

2. Swinging of legs or one leg over the other

3. Unnecessary movements of hands and feet (like scratching, nail-biting, thumb – or finger
sucking

4. Pulsation of the carotid artery in the neck

5. Incoherence, trembling and sweating of the whole body

Signs of Lies and Deceptions

1. Stammering;

2. Swearing to or before God that he did not commit the crime;

3. Pointing his guilt to somebody else;

4. Subject refuses to answer questions thru alibis and excuses;

5. He is all the time absent-minded;

6. He is always requesting for repetition of questions;

7. He often asks counter-questions and counter-queries;

8. He often asks permissions to go to comfort-rooms, etc.

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Regular Police Method

This method sought to answer the legal investigation processes to the following:

1. The “Five Wives and One Husband” (5 W’s and 1 H), which stands for – What? When? Where?
Who? Why? And How?

2. The “Three Eyes” (3 I’s) which stands for—

2.1 Information Gathering, thru Records Check,

Surveillance and Intelligence Check;

2.2. Investigation, thru Interrogation or Interview, or

thru Admission or confession;

2.3 Instrumentation or Criminalistics (Police

Science), with the use of different investigative

(forensic) sciences, such as:

o Medico-legal or Forensic Medicine

o Forensic Chemistry

o Police (or Investigative) Photography

o Forensic Ballistics (Firearms Investigation)

o Questioned Document Examination

 o Dactyloscopy

o Police (or Investigative) Communication, and

o Polygraphy (Lie-Detection Test/Deceptography) 

Terms Involves in Police Methods

Admission

 This is a declaration or statement of facts not directly constituting an acknowledgement

of guilt, but falling short of a full confession.

 This is a declaration or statement of facts

Type of admission: Judicial Admission, Extra Judicial Admission

Confession

 is an express acknowledgement by the accused in a criminal prosecution of the truth of his

guilt as to the offense charge.

Rules in Confession

o Confession need not to be in writing

o Confession may be written in a language which the accused does not speak

o Confession must be freely and voluntarily made

Interview

 is the questioning of a person believed to possess knowledge that is in official interest to the
investigator.

 is the process of eliciting information from the witnesses and confidential informants.

Interrogation

 is the questioning of a person suspected of having committed an offense or of a person who

is reluctant to make a full disclosure of information in his possession which is pertinent to
the investigation.

Scientific methods of detecting Deception

1. Hypnotism

FRANZ (FRIEDRICH) ANTON MESMER (1734-1815); Austrian Mystic and Physician; born on May
23,1734 at Iznang, a village near Lake Constance, Austria; he was the first to introduce hypnotism as
a method of deception detection in 1778. Mesmer believed in animal magnetism, by which his own
personal electro-magnetism for therapeutic effect influenced other persons.
2. Word-Association Test

Here is another method of deception detection, which was introduced in 1879 by SIR FRANCIS
GALTON (1822-1911), an English Scientist Explorer and Anthropometrics, born on Feb. 16, 1822 at
Sparkbrook, Birmingham, London, and the cousin of the famous Charles Darwin.   Dr. Jung was able
to observe how the thinking reactions were linked into the emotional habit of his Subject. The
theory behind this method is that, one word or idea is reflective of another word or idea and
expression of their association forms a meaningful picture.

3. Truth – Serum Test/Narco-analysis or Narco-Synthesis

The so-called “Truth – Serum” Test was introduced by DR. EDWARD MANDEL HOUSE (1858-1938), a
U.S. Physicist and Diplomat serving as Confidential Adviser to former U.S. Pres. Woodrow Wilson,
(born on July 26, 1858 at Ferris, Texas, USA). This method involves intravenous injection or oral-
taling of various drugs, such as hyocine bromide, morphine, ether, chloroform, sodium amytal and
scopolamine, which may produce a condition of anesthesia.

Polygraph Test Technique/or the Lie-Detector Test

 This last method is based upon the theory that once a lie has been made or that an emotion-
evoking stimulus (question) has been given, a conscious mental effort on the part of a
normally conditioned person causes physical and physiological changes in the body which
are capable of being recorded, diagnosed and interpreted in a recording machine or
instrument called the “Polygraph”, “Deceptograph” or the “Pheumo-Galvo-Sphygmo-
Cardiograph”.

 In this method, the Subject is comfortably seated on a chair and then the blood-pressure
cuff, pneumograph tube and electroded are placed on his body with the instrument being
set in motion.

 Bodily changes or responses, such as respiration, blood-pressure /blood-volume/heart

action and pulse rate and skin resistance/GSR), are recorded by the instrument.

 The Subject is instructed to remain quiet, obey directions the Examiner may give out, and
answer all questions truthfully by either “Yes” or “No”.

TWO TYPES OF RESPONSE

External Response. These response are very much observable even without the aid of any
emotion \stress\recording machine. Good example of these responses as indicative of guilt or
deceptions

Internal Response. They are the most important in lie-detection because there are changes in the
normal functioning of the organs of the body that cannot be controlled by any pathological liar.
Scientifically known as ‘VISCERAL’ response this pertains to the responses of the internal organs of
the following system and property of the human body as applied in the study of lie-detection with
the use or aid of a polygraph, thus

1. The Nervous System – Which control the glands, muscular tissues, and the rest of the nerves
connected organs to and from the brain;
2. The Respiratory System – which take care of the inhalation and exhalation processes or the
breathing cycles; (PNEUMOGRAPH)

3. The Circulatory System – which regulates heart action, blood pressure and blood volume, and
pulse rate; and (CARDIOSHYGMOGRAPH)

4. The Excretory System – (or the Electrical properties of the skin which facilitates the change in the
electrical phenomena of the galvanic-skin-reflex (GSR), its resistance, and the brain potentials
(GALVANOGRAPH)

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

In the middle of the 19th century, Dr. Hans Gross, an Australian known as the “Father of Criminalistic”
defined “search for truth” as the basis and goal of all criminal investigations. He asserted that a
large part of the criminal’s work is nothing more than a battle against lies. Throughout the centuries,
man continued to experiment with more scientific methods in determining the truth and detecting
deception.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE CARDIOGRAPH COMPONENT

ANGELO MOSSO – 1895

o Studied fear and its influence on the hearth and his observations subsequently formed
the basis for the technique.

o Developed the SPHYGMAMOMANOMETER and the SCIENTIFIC CRADLE, which he used in

studying fear on the heart.

CESAR LOMBROSO – 1895

o Employed the first scientific instrument to detect deception.

o This instrument known as HYDORSPHYGMOGRAPH, measured changes in pulse and

blood pressure when suspects were questioned about their involvement in or
knowledge of a specific response.

WILLIAM MARSTON – 1915

o He dealt with the sphygmomanometer which was used to obtain periodic discontinuous
blood pressure readings during the course of an examination;

o He also experienced with and helped to develop the pneumograph, which records breathing
patterns, and the galvanometer, which registers changes in skin resistance.

JOHN LARSON – 1921

o Developed the polygraph, an instrument capable of continuously records blood pressure,

pulse, and respiration.

o The polygraph instrument which he developed was polygraphic apparatus in a portable

form. Had published more than anyone in this field.

o LARSON POLYGRAPH - This is the first assemblage of apparatus used by his co-workers in
the Berkeley Police Department.
LEONARD KEELER –1926

o In 1949, he invented the Keeler Polygraph with components that simultaneously recorded
changes in blood pressure, pulse and respiration, as well as the newly developed galvanic
skin reflex.

o He devised the chart roll paper, a better method of questioning, and incorporated the
kymograph.

o He also devised a metal bellows.

o KEELER POLYGRAPH - In 1925, Keeler developed a compact portal instrument using a

modification of the Erlanger pressure reducer that permitted the blood pressure changes to
be recorded over a greater range.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE PNEUMOGRAPH COMPONENT

VITTORIO BENUSSI – 1914

o Successfully detected deception with a pneumograph, an instrument that graphically

measures an examinee’s inhalation and exhalation.

o He demonstrated that changes in breathing patterns accompany deception.

HAROLD BURTT – 1918

o Determined that respiratory changes were indicative of deception.

o Found out that changes in systolic blood pressure were of greater value in determining
deception than changes in respiration.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE GALVANOGRAPH COMPONENT

GEORGE STICKER – 1897

o First to suggest the use of the galvanograph for detecting deception based on the work of
several predecessors.

o Theorized that the galvanic skin phenomena was influenced by exciting mental impressions
and that the will have no effect upon it. 

OTTO VERAGUTH – 1907

o First to use the term “PSYCHOGALVANIC REFLEX”.

o Believed that the electrical phenomenon was due to the activity of the sweat glands.

OTHER PERSONALITIES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE POLYGRAPH

HUGO Munsterburg (1908)

 o Proposed that lie test based on lie detector should be admissible as evidence in court.

o The detection is based on using blood pressure variations for deception detection.

o He advocates the used of lie detection in court.

CHARLES SAMSON FERE – (1888)

o French Scientist who discovered that electro dermal response is caused by an increase in
the action of the heart and vital energy converted with human emotions.

o He asserted that human body has the ability to generate store, discharged high voltage of
static electricity

JACQUES D’Arsonval – (1851-1940)

o French Scientist who declared that electricity is generated by the body and named
External Friction as source of generation.

o He assorted those sweat glands which the body at times store the electricity and at
other times discharged them.

o His works helped in the development of the galvanometer.

Paul Wilhelm and Donald Burns (1951)

o Michigan City, Indiana, USA, (Independent Lie Detector Specialists) who invented the
Electronic Psychometric using Electrodermal Response as a basis for lie detection.

o Both have proven that results of lie detection test (during) using their instrumental 95%
accurate.

CHESTER W. DARROW (1932)

o Made a third modification to the Larson Cardio-Pneumo Psychograph, by adding a

galvanometer.

o The new instrument included a psycho-galvanometric record, electrodes on the palm and
back of the hand, as well as a continuous blood pressure record, and a pneumographic
record.

Reid

o he devised an instrument as Reid Polygraph. In the year 1945 he introduced a completely

revised polygraph technique, the most significant feature of which was the utilization of a
control question known as the Reid control question technique.

Sir James Mackenzle (1906)

o Generally overlooked in that history of the lie detector technique is the fact that so called
polygraph was in existence at least as early as 1906.

o Its invention, however as not for lie detection purposes, rather for the use in medical
examination.
 o Nevertheless, it did contain the essential features of present day instrument and first
construction was based upon the same principle.

o Its inventor was Sir James Mackenzle, the famous English Heart Specialist which articles
entitled “The Ink Polygraph” which appeared in 1908 number of the English Journal.

Cleve Backster – (1947)

o Develop the control question technique which introduces a lie in the polygraph chart to
establish a yard sticks so that one would know what the reaction really means.

o If this person responds to this control lie to a greater extent than does to the actual
questions under investigation we assume and establish the subject is telling the truth at
that point.

o If the reverse is true we state that he is not telling the truth at that point.

Philippines History of Polygraph

The Polygraph was first introduced to the Philippines in 1945 by the Crime Laboratory of the Military
Police. The Crime Laboratory sent several people including Mr. Jose Navarro and Conrado Dumlao
to the U.S for polygraph training. In 1950 the National Bureau Investigation sent Mr. Agustin Patricio
to train at the keeler Polygraph Institute.

Always OBJECTIVITY over SUBJECTIVITY

Cardinal rule of polygraph examiner

PURPOSE OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

o To determine truth or deception based on the presence of emotional disturbance of the

subject as appearing on the questions relative to the case under investigation.

OBJECTIVE OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

o The ultimate objective of Polygraph Examination is to obtain the Subject’s ADMISSION or

CONFESSION of the offense committed.

In Addition :

1. Determine if the subject is telling the truth by verifying statement and comparing
conflicting statements.

2. Acquire additional investigative leads to the facts of an offense.

3. Locate fruit or tools of crime or whereabouts of wanted persons.

4. Identify other persons involved.

5. Gain valuable information from willing subject.

USES OF POLYGRAPH:

1. Criminal investigation

 It is an investigative aid for the investigation to:

 Confirm the statement of victims.

 Ascertain the credibility of witnesses.

 Assess truthfulness of suspects.

 It speeds up the process of investigation.

 It eliminates innocent subjects.

 The investigator can focus to one subject to determine the truth or deception.

2. Pre- employment test an screening

3. Periodic personnel check (for integrity)

4. Claim verification test (for insurance compensation/benefits

5. Loyalty test (for intelligence & honesty)

6. Promotion

THE FOUR MAJOR COMPONENTS OF POLYGRAPH AND THE PLACEMENT OF INSTRUMENTAL

ATTACHMENT

1. PNEUMOGRAPH

 2 rubberized corrugated tube -7 inches in length fastened around the subject’s chest and
abdomen. Each attached to a unit by a rubber hose not longer than six feet and not larger
than one quarter inch in diameter.

 2 top upper pens of the instrument which records the thoracic and abdominal breathing
patterns of respiration.

 The inhalation/exhalation of the subject cause the tubes to expand and contract, thereby
reflecting the change through bellows to the pen into the chart.

2. CARDIOSPHYGMOGRAPH

 the blood pressure cuff containing a rubber bladder that is wrapped around one of the
subject arms in such a way as to ensure that the rubber portion of the cuff is place over the
brachial artery of the right arm for more satisfactory recordings.

 This is the fourth and the bottom pen of the instrument. The polygraphist inflates the
bladder with a hand pump to put air into the system, which recorded in a
sphygmomanometer in millimeter of mercury (generally 60-80 mm).
Take note: Normal pulse rate- 72-80 beats per min.

Normal blood pressure is 120/80

3. GALVANOGRAPH

 a set of electrodes attached to the index finger and to the ring finger of the left hand or the
palmer or dorsal surfaces of subject’s hand.

 This is the longest and the third pen of the instrument. The electrodes used for obtaining the
recording of the GSR or electro dermal responses, are fastened to the hand or fingers by
means of the passage of an imperceptible amount of electrical current through the hand or
fingers bearing the attached electrodes, a galvanometer unit provides recording of the
variation in the flow of the electrical current.

4. KYMOGRAPH

 this is the chart-recording unit of the instrument. It has a synchronized motor that drives the
charts at the rate of 6-12 inches per minute and its speed constant is vital because the
vertical lines, which are spaced either at one inch interval, represents five or ten seconds
interval on the chart.

 This provides the polygraphist with a means of determining pulse rate and question spacing.

 Chart roll-100ft, 6 inches width with ½ inch margin apart

 Paper is imprinted with horizontal line spaced at ¼ inch interval(2o division) and vertical
lines 1/10 inch interval with heavy lines at ½ inch interval

Accuracy of the Polygraph Exam Result

This has been the unending question among many of us. However, practitioners have agreed that
the accuracy of the polygraph results ranges from 85% to 100% depending upon the factors that
affect it.

Factors that Affects the Accuracy of the Polygraph Results

Generally, the following are factors affecting polygraph examination accuracy:

1. The instrument.

2. The condition of the Subject.

3. The condition of the examination room.

4. The qualification and skills of the examiner.

Specifically, the 25% errors of lie detection test come from the following circumstances:

1. Nervousness or extreme emotional tension experienced by a subject who is telling the truth
regarding the offense in question

2. Physiological abnormalities

3. Mental Abnormalities
 4. Unresponsiveness in a lying or guilty subject

5. Attempt to “beat the machine” by controlled breathing or by muscular flexing

6. Unobserved application of muscular pressure which produces ambiguities and misleading

indications in the blood pressure tracing.

Limitations of the Polygraph

1. It is valuable investigative aid, but never a substitute for investigation.

2. It is not a lie detector; it is a scientific diagnostic instrument.

3. It does not determine facts, it record responses to that which the subject knows to be
true.

4. It is only as accurate as the examiner is competent.

5. The test will not be given until enough facts have been established to permit the
examiner to prepare a complete set of suitable questions.

6. The test will not be given without the voluntary consent of the subject.

7. No indication will be given to any person or placed in any report that a person will be
considered guilty because he refused to take the test.

8. A test will not be given until the accusations have been explained with the subject.

9. No attempt to use Polygraph for mental or physical evaluation of any person.

10. No examination will be conducted on unfit subject.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE POLYGRAPH EXAMINER

1. He must be a college graduate preferably graduate from the College of Criminology

because he has knowledge of this scientific detection of guilt. (Not necessarily graduate)

2. He must have taken special course in a lie-detection or criminal interrogation either

locally or abroad or substituted by apprenticeship.

3. Five years’ experience in Criminal investigation or as detective. He has mastered all

techniques in investigation and interrogation.

4. His mental and physical qualification:

5. Intelligence: not less than 100 I.Q.

6. He has not been confined in mental hospital for mental disease.

7. He is not physically defective like nervousness, easily irritated, disease of the heart, low
and high pressure of blood, defective lungs, respiratory organs, like T.B. asthma and his
five senses are all right.

8. He possess good moral character, habits, integrity, honesty, etc.

 9. He must not be lacking in personality that commands respect and discipline, his moral
character and habit are beyond criticism.

10. He has not been criminally prosecuted.

11. He is impartial, just and not easily bribed or corrupted.

Three (3) General Types of Subjects

1. Victim or Complainant

2. Witness

3. Suspects

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SUBJECT WHO WILL UNDERGO LIE-DETECTION EXAMINATION

1. Mental fitness. The subject must understand what is wrong and what is right. His mind
is normally functioning.

2. Physical fitness. He is free from any physical defect.

3. He has no lung disease, heart, not low and high pressure of blood, nervousness.

4. He must not be an imbecile or moron, insane, or suffering from hallucination, etc.

5. The subject who has been interrogated intensively, especially accompanied by “3 rd

degree” prior to lie-detection examination is not fit for the test. (Just take his
fingerprints and photograph)

6. A person who is habitually drunk, opium addict, and other vices is not good subject for
lie-detector examination. Their bloods are full of alcohol, which is deterrent factor in
the recording.

7. He should have good sleep and not hungry.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SUBJECT WHO WILL UNDERGO LIE-DETECTION EXAMINATION

1. Should sleep at least 5 hrs.- Goodnight sleep

2. 2 hrs. Refrain from smoking

3. He/ she should undergo prolonged interrogation prior to the tes

4. Must not subjected to physical abuse

5. 12 hrs. refrain from drinking intoxicating liquior or sedatives drugs or any prohibited
drugs

6. He/ she must not be suffering from temporary illness

7. He/ she must not hungry

 8. He/ she must not have sex indulgence prior to the test

ROOM FOR THE EXAMINATION

1. Proper location. The room must be located in a place free from internal or external
noise like vehicular traffic; located preferably in the ground floor so that there is no
fatigue on the part of the subject. (90% sound proof )

2. The room should be properly ventilated. If financial condition can afford, air condition is
better by exhaust pipe system. The use of electric fan is not good.

3. The room shall be sound proof and acoustic, roof, ceiling, and wall shall be double
paneled.

4. It should be provided with proper lighting fixture, which will not disturb the eyes of the
subject. Incandescent lamp is good.

5. It should be a convenient size with adjoining observation room equipped with a one-way
mirror and microphone, tape recorder, amplifier to record any word spoken by the
suspect.

6. Electrical outlet of 110 volts should be installed for lie-detector machine.

7. The color of the room should not be sensitive to the eyes. Red, dark and yellow colors
are not good.

8. No telephone installation because the ringing will disturb the examination.

9. There will be no decoration, picture frame, or nude calendar because they will attract
attention to the subject.

10. Unnecessary furniture shall be avoided in the room.

Four (4) Phases of Polygraph Examination:

1. Initial Interview - with the Investigator Handling the Case.

This includes such as:

a) Obtaining and evaluating case facts

b) Determine areas the subject needs to asked about

c) The investigator should furnish the examiner adequate facts of the case

2. The Pre-test interview - with the subject to be examined. The primary purpose of the pre-test
interview is to prepare the subject for the test.

This phase includes:

a) The Subject must be appraised of his constitutional rights.

b) Obtain subject’s consent to undergo the test (signing of the statement)

 c) The taking of the personal data of the subject

d) Determine his or her suitability of the test

e) Clinically observation of the subject

f) Evaluating the psychological preparation of the subject

g) Informing the subject of his involvement with the case

3. The conduct of instrumental test - with the asking of questions previously reviewed with the
subject.

a) Transducers are attached to the body of the subject

b) Test instructions are given to the subject

c) Stimulating and conditioning the subject

d) Conduct preliminary evaluation/Initial Findings

Approximately five to ten seconds after this instruction first question is asked and then the other
questions follows after or at the interval of fifteen or twenty seconds.

A test should not be administered without the consent from the subjects

4. Post Interview/Interrogation - with the subject

 This phase includes all consideration that bears on the examination just after the instrument
is turned off.

 If the polygraph test result indicates deception then the examiner proceeds to conduct a
short interrogation, the purpose of which is to obtain confession or admission.

 However, if the test charts of polygraphs indicate that a subject is telling the truth then he
will be released cordially and the examiner will thank then/him for his cooperation.

THE TEST CONSTRUCTION AND PROCEDURES

The polygraph test consists of asking the subject/ person though the transducer of the instrument, a
list of prepared questions in a planned sequence; comprising of not more than twelve. At least 3
test charts are taken, each lasting not more than four (4) minutes rest interval of five (5) to ten (10)
minutes between charts.

GENERAL RULES ON QUESTION FORMULATION:

The following are the general rules:

a) Questions must be simple and direct.

b) They must not involved legal terminology; e.g. Rape,

c) Assault, Murder, etc.

d) They must be answerable by “yes” or “no” and should be

e) short as possible.
 f) Their meaning must be clear and unmistakable and phrased in a language the subject
can easily understand.

g) They must not be in the form of accusation.

h) They must never contain an influence which presupposes knowledge on the part of the
subject.

i) All questions must refer to only one element of an offense.

j) They must not contain inferences to one’s religion, race or belief.

DIFFERENT TYPE OF TEST QUESTIONS

A. RELEVANT QUESTION – (or critical) are the primary or key questions asked by the examiner in
order to resolve a specific subject-matter. It is further classified according to its stimulation effect
when applied, namely:

1. Strong relevant or primary relevant question is a relevant question which has an intense and
specific relationship to the crime or problem being considered. This is intended to produce strong
emotional response in guilty subjects.

Example: Did you steal Hazel’s wristwatch?

Did you steal anything from Hazel’s house?

2. Weak Relevant or Secondary relevant question–are questions that concern some secondary
elements of the crime and deal mostly on guilty knowledge and partial involvement:

Example: Do you know where the missing wristwatch of Hazel’s is now?

DIFFERENT TYPE OF TEST QUESTIONS

the weak relevant is classified into the following:

1. Sacrifice Relevant or DYAT questions (Do you intend to Answer Truthfully) are designed to
absorb the response generally generated by the introduction of the first relevant questions in the
series. Reaction to these questions gives the examiner a clue as to Subject’s attitude of willingness
or voluntaries to submit to the test.

Example: Regarding the stolen wristwatch, you intend truthfully to answer each question about
that?

2. Knowledge question. This type of question is propounded to the subject to prove whether he
possesses the information leading to the identification of the offender or the location of the
evidence.

Example: Do you know for sure who stole the wristwatch of Hazel?

At this instance, the phrase “for sure” is included to eliminate further suspicion just in case the
subject knew the offender the location of evidence but is only hesitant to answer “yes”.

3. Evidence–Connecting Questions –this has to do with inviting subjects attention on the probability
of incriminating proof that would tend to establish his guilt, by linking him and his predicaments to
the fingerprints, footprints, tool marks, etc. collected at the crime scene.
 Example: Were the footprints outside the house of Hazyl’s yours?

B. IRRELEVANT QUESTIONS: no importance to the case under investigation, but of great significance
to controlling fatigue, nervousness and discomfiture of the subject, irrelevant or neutral questions
must precede the relevant ones. Some of them may form like this:

1. Did you eat today?

2. Do you smoke?

3. Are you wearing brown leather shoes now?

4. Is the cigarette you smoke a Marlboro brand?

5. Do you live in Bonifacio Street.?

Neutral questions are always entertained in the polygraph interrogation with the intention to relieve
or normalize the fear of subject’s nervousness or his discomfort due to constant blood pressure cuff
pressing. If the Subject is halfway telling the truth, or has told a lie successfully, irrelevant questions
help neutralize mental effort of perceiving what he said of the falsity of his recent answer.

C. CONTROL QUESTION (Probably Lie): This is a question based on a known lie made by the subject
about denying having done something that is verified or known to be true.

It is actually connected to the crime under investigation, but the nature of the question is in general
scope and similar to the crime to which the subject will actually tell a lie. It is a given to get the full
truth about the subjects knowledge. Control questions have two kinds:

1. Primary Control Question – recalls the offense done from the time of childhood up to three to
five years before the occurrence of the present offense being investigated.

Example: Before reaching the age of 25, have you ever stolen anything?

Did you ever steal in your life?

2. Secondary Control Question – more specific in nature, is based upon another species of
wrongdoing, which will enhance the subject’s opportunity for responsiveness.

Its scope includes up to the present period of examination.

Example: Have you ever stolen anything from this locality?

The formulation of both types of control questions necessary reasonable certainty that the Subject’s
answer is a lie.

D. GUILT COMPLEX QUESTIONS.

This refers to the questions which safeguard against mistaking relevant question response of guilt
complex reactor as deception responses, and is based on a fictitious crime situation closely parallel
and equal in weight to the actual crime under investigation, so that the guilty can be sure he did not
commit it.

Example: Did you steal the gold coin collection?

Remember that the stealing of gold coin collection was not actually committed because the alleged
crime investigated was the loss of precious wristwatch of Hazel.

This test is applied when the response to relevant and control questions are similar in degree and in
consistency and in a way that the examiner cannot determine whether the subject is telling the truth
or not.

E. SYMPTOMATIC QUESTIONS

Its function is to detect and evaluate the presence of outside issues which may suppress response to
relevant questions. This is often true that subject fear they might be asked about another cases in
which they are involved, but are not the subject matter under investigation.

Example: Are you completely convinced that I will not ask any question on this test that has not been
already been reviewed?

F. “S” “K” “Y” QUESTIONS

S – Stand for suspect; K - means knowledge; Y – refers to “you” as the subject

These three questions grouped together by Backster confirm the previous charts and may detect
indirect involvement on guilty knowledge.

F. PEAK-OF-TENSION TEST (PTT)

The subject may be given this test if he is not yet informed of the details of the offense for which he
is being interrogated by the investigation, or by other persons or from other sources like the print
media. This valid test is only made possibly when there is no widespread publicity about a crime
where intimate details as to the methods of commission or certain facts of the case is known from
the victim and investigator.

G. ANSWER TEST (SAT)

This test is conducted in the same manner as when relevant and control questions are asked but the
subject is instructed to answer the questions silently, to himself, without making any verbal
response causes distortion in the tracing such as sniff or clearing the throat

SIGNS AND SYMBOLS (commonly used in Chart Marking)

X / 60 / 1.5 A - first markings of the examiner on the chart

XX / 60 / 1.5 A - examiner’s mark after the test

X - start of the test

XX - end of the test

60 - millimeter of mercury shown in

sphygmamometer dial

1.5 - ohms of skin electrical resistance

A or M - refers to automatic or manual galvo

 amplifier used

| | - point where each question begins and

end (also called stimulus mark)

+ - Yes answer to question

- - No answer to question

A - adjustment

T - subject talked instead of answering

with single Yes or No

R - subject request for repetition of

question

C - coughing

N - noise

S - sigh by the subject

PJ - paper jam

SN - subject sniffed

BI - breathing instruction

OS - tracing changed caused by outside

stimulus

M - movement

IM - movement instruction

L - laugh

B - used to signify belch

C+ - increase in galvo sensitivity

C- - decrease in galvo sensitivity

Y - yawn

IS - ink stop

CT - clearing of throat

Additional fact

US vs Frye was the first case in lie detection, the Supreme Court in 1923 decided that it was not
adminisable

Can a person be compelled to undergo Lie detection Test

No, you cannot compel a person to be subjected to the test, always secure the subject consent prior
to the conduct of examination

Is there a best time of a day to conduct a polygraph examination?

Yes, since it is important that the person tested be capable of the maximum reactions

Advisable to conduct in the morning will be more productive than those examination conducted in
afternoon or evening

Can someone below the age 18 take a polygraph?

Yes, but the examiner must have first written consent of the parents or guardian of the child.
However, most examiner will not test anyone who is less than 12 years of age.

Can medication Affect the test result?

Yes, any drugs or medication that suppresses normal activity of the central nervous system will
reduce the strength of reaction.

Can pregnant woman be tested?

Yes or NO, as long it does not affect the outcome of the polygraph examination,

ZONE COMPARISON TEST

ZONE- a twenty to thirty five seconds block of polygraph chart time initiated by a question having a
unique psychological focusing appeal to a predictable group of examinees. The color coding
according to Bacster are the following:

a) Green zone- for the Control questions

b) Red zone- for the Relevant questions &

c) Black zone- for the Symtomatic questions

Five (5) Variations of the Zone Comparison Test

1) The Matte Quadri-track Zone Comparison Technique- is a polygraph technique used

exclusively for single-issue tests. It was developed by Matte after two years of research and
experimentation with fictitious crime test used in conjunction with actual test in real-life
situations. This test also employ Backster’s basic test structure and quantification system with
some refinements and addition of another spot consisting of a control/relevant question pair
to deal with examinees “fear of error” and the guilty examinees “hope of error”.

2) The Backster Tri-Zone Comparison Technique- forms the basis of the Quadri-Track Zone
comparison technique, therefore the definition of terms articulated there and the
methodology used in the administration of the technique is applicable. Backster permits the
use of inside track “fear of error” control question and the “hope of error”. When the
Backster zone comparison technique does not incorporate the fear/hope of error questions
the only difference remaining in the test structure between number one and number two
techniques is the position of symptomatic questions which are opposite.

3) The department of Defense Polygraph Institute (DoDPI) Bi-Spot Zone Comparison Technique
The First zone contains the relevant questions concerning, Primary, Secondary and S-K-Y (Suspicion
Knowledge You questions.The second zone, is used when there is only one question or issue that
must be addressed in the examination.

4) Integrated Zone comparison Technique-developed in 1987 by Nathan J. Gordon, William M.

Waid and Philip M. Cocheti. This technique has the most significant departure from the
original zone comparison technique developed by Cleve Bacster.

5) The Utah Zone Comparison Technique- the structure of this technique is basically the same
for single issue test as it is for multiple issue tests. However instead of using relevant question
that embraces several facts of a crime or matter under investigation, the single issue test uses
relevant question that addressed a single issue only.

Re-examination – after all the five tests have been administered and the polygraph examiner was
not able to make a definite diagnosis, an arrangement should be made for a re-examination of the
subject at a later date. His situation occurs 10% of cases under investigation where the polygraph
examination has been used. During this discussion where examiner finalizes the arrangement for re-
examination, it would e helpful to observe the subjects comments and general behavior ordinarily
different from those of a subject who is determined to be lying. Experience would show that persons
who are truthful would comply and adhere to the pre-scheduled re-examination even if not under
the custody of the police; on the other hand untruthful subjects are prone to break the the promise
or arrangement to come back for a re-examination.

PROCEDURE FOR THE SUBJECT’S REEXAMINATION

1. The subject is required to sit on the chair as soon as he/she enters the examination room;

2. Attachment of the component parts of the polygraph machine on the subject’s body follows;

3. Any comments or suggestions from the subject should be given attention immediately after
attachment of all the parts of the polygraph machine on the subject’s body;

4. When no comment or admission has been made by the subject, proceed with the card test and
this time when the subject answers “NO”, the test is ended without asking the remaining cards; This
will give a greater positive ness pertaining to the efficiency of the polygraph technique.

5. When the subject make a fuss or distortions on the tracing when his chosen card was mentioned,
the examiner should ask one other unselected card question and then repeat the one pertaining to
the chosen card.

On the other hand, controlling internal responses is hard to accomplish seemingly next to
impossible. No person has been known to suppress completely the internal activity of the body such
as the rapid heart palpitations, the rush of blood on the face and the gripping of the intestines.

The conscious mental effort of a normal person with intent to deceive stimulates the emotion of fear
which leads to physiological changes capable of being transmitted and recorded into different
components of the polygraph machine and accurately interpreted and diagnosed with certainty by a
competent polygraph examiner.

KINDS OF RESPONSE

1. Normal Responses are responses of the subject that has no bearing on the matter under
investigation.

2. Specific Responses are responses which contain deviations or signs of deception which has
direct bearing on the matter under investigation.