ST.

FERDINAND COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY
City of Ilagan, Isabela
FORENSIC 5 (LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES)
SECOND SEMESTER, A.Y. 2022-2023

MODULE 4:
THE POLYGRAPH INSTRUMENT
8 HOURS (WEEK 7, 8 AND 9)

This module lesson is designed for 7th, 8th and 9th week of the 2st semester school
year 2020-2021. It discusses the different kinds, accessories, parts and functions of the
Polygraph Instrument used in detecting deception. Activities are provided at the end of
this module which will be accomplished and submitted within the duration stated in the
activity.

LEARNING OUTCOME:
At the end of the topic, the students can:
1. Identify the different kinds of polygraph instrument.
2. Display familiarity on the advantages and disadvantages of one type of polygraph
over the other.
3. Identify and discuss the four major components of the polygraph instrument.
4. Differentiate the major components of the polygraph and explain the functions of
these components.
5. Show familiarity on the psycho-physiological changes recorded by the Analog
polygraph.
6. Identify the location or arrangement of these bodily changes in the chart paper.
7. Differentiate the Polygraph components that detect or record bodily changes.
8. Identify and explain the parts and functions of the polygraph instrument.
9. Display familiarity on the parts of the Polygraph and explain the functions of
these parts.
10. Familiarize themselves on the operation of the instrument as a means of
detecting deception
11. Enumerate the different parts and accessories of the polygraph instrument

TOPIC OUTLINE
For better understanding on the part of the learner, the lesson is arrange into the
following topics
1. Kinds of Polygraph Machines
2. Four Major Components of the Polygraph Instrument
3. Detachable Parts of the Polygraph Instrument
4. Build-in Accessories of the Polygraph Instrument
5. Parts and Functions of the Instruments
6. Control Mechanism of the Polygraph Instrument

What are the kinds of Polygraph Machines? GROUP 1

With the experience of human beings in lying and in detecting lies in others, on
the basis of various outward indications, it is expected that eventually someone would
conceive the idea that it is possible to make a scientific detection of deception or
truthfulness by obtaining indications or recordings of non - observable physiological
phenomena.

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 ST. FERDINAND COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY
City of Ilagan, Isabela
FORENSIC 5 (LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES)
SECOND SEMESTER, A.Y. 2022-2023

1. B & W Lie Detector Model 8AC

This model is identical to the instrument currently
used by Cleve Backster in his ongoing experiments to
determine if plants emit G.S.R. activity. The only function of
the Model 8AC is to measure GSR activity. The Model 8AC
also uses an automatic/ manual switch which may be used
if the examiner chooses to adjust the sensitivity manually
prior to the first relevant question.

2. Stoelting cardio-pneumo polygraph

This polygraph instrument is one of the first instrument produced by Stoelting
Company, in Chicago. Cleve Backster – originally designed
this instrument in the early 1950’s. This instrument operated
on a standard 115-volt current sixty cycle current, and did
not have alternate battery capacity. The instrument
displayed here was first used by the Abilene Police
Department in 1955, and later used by one of the local
Sheriff’s department until 1970. This instrument was retired
in September of 1981.

3. Lee and Sons Berkeley Psychograph

The Berkeley Psychograph or otherwise known as the “Lee Polygraph” was first
introduced in Chicago Illinois in 1938. This instrument is the
improved model, which was developed by Captain Lee of the
Berkeley California Police Department. Captain Lee was also
the first to introduce the used of the guilt complex control
question, and the first control test, which was later re-named the
Pre - Test. This type of instrument was used primarily on
juveniles during the 1930’s, as the conventional rules of
evidence did not apply at this time.

4. Keeler polygraph model 302

Keeler’ Polygraph is the earlier instruments, dating back

to 1953. This instrument was manufactured by “Associated
Research” of Chicago Illinois and utilizes seven batteries, along
with an AC power source. The chart drive unit is powered by a
synchronous motor at speed of either six or twelve inches per
minute. There are four recording pen.

5. Keeler polygraph model 6317

This unit was developed and place into service during

the latter part of 1939, at a time when the most common use
for the polygraph was in the field of business for employment
screening. During the Korean War, this instrument was utilized
by the C.I.A., and again in the early 1960’s to polygraph

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 ST. FERDINAND COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY
City of Ilagan, Isabela
FORENSIC 5 (LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES)
SECOND SEMESTER, A.Y. 2022-2023

Cuban Nationals to determine if they ware spies. The Keeler Polygraph model 6317
weighed twenty pounds and was powered by four ordinary flashlight batteries.

6. Keeler polygraph pacesetter series model 6398

This instrument was used in the late 1960’s initially in

the Military, and continued being used until the late 1970’s.
The instrument’s three separate channel provide continuous
recording of changes in heart rate and blood pressure,
breathing rate and skin resistance.

7. Keeler polygraph series model 6338

This instrument is the first in the “Pacesetter Series”

that incorporated for the first time an integral photo/optical
plethysmograph. This instrument was introduced as a four
channel instrument, which recorded simultaneously changes
of the physiological body responses.

8. Stoelting deceptograph model 22500

Deceptograph model 22500 was introduced since

1935. This model contained vacuum tubes in its amplifier that
required approximately thirty minutes of warm up time before
use. It contained three recording channels, cardio, pneumo.
And G.S.R. which provide a continuous recording of changes
in relative blood pressure, heart rate, pulse wave amplitude,
respiration and electrical skin resistance.

9. Stoelting model 22600 emotional stress monitor

This instrument was introduced in 1966 by the Stoelting Company. This model is
a three pen instrument. The top channel was a
mechanical recording channel for recording respiration.
This instrument did not have any means of controlling
tracing size, except for possibly adjusting the
pneumograph tube. The GSR channel was a 250,000-
ohm amplifier, balancing a twenty-three micro amp
current to the subject to record changes in GSR. The bottom channel was used to
record heart rate and changes in relative blood pressure.

10. Lafayette electro-cardio polygraph model 76056

Lafayette Model 76056 is first introduced in

Indiana, and displayed here in 1972. This was considered
to be the most popular instrument introduced at the time,
with double pneumographs, GSR Electro-cardio, and top
mounted pneumatic stimulus marker.

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 ST. FERDINAND COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY
City of Ilagan, Isabela
FORENSIC 5 (LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES)
SECOND SEMESTER, A.Y. 2022-2023

11. LX 4000 Computerized Polygraph System

Is a complete system with a laptop or desktop computer, or as a stand – alone

Data Acquisition system (DAS) that can be readily connected to your existing computer
and printer. When using your own computer with the LX 4000 the following Minimum
Computer Requirement in the following slide are:

a. 80MB hard drive

b. Windows 98/98SE, 2000 Me and XP
c. Standard VGA color monitor
d. Mouse
e. USB port
f. CD Rom drive

The LX 4000 computer polygraph system records, stores and analyzes

physiological changes during a polygraph examination. The LX 4000 system combines
conventional polygraph procedure with a sophisticated state of the art computer. Result
are derived from the following traditional physiological parameters: Pneumo – two
respiratory input channels, GSR – Galvanograph skin resistance, Cardio – blood
volume and pulse rate

Two Types of Polygraph GROUP 2

1. Computerized Polygraph - Mechanical or Electronic

2. Conventional Polygraph - System (Thermal Polygraph) or Ink polygraph

MECHANICAL (ANALOG) POLYGRAPH AND COMPUTERIZED POLYGRAPH

a. Computerized polygraphs are no more accurate

than traditional, analog ones. Furthermore, they
are just as susceptible to countermeasures.
b. Forensic Physiologists tout the computerized
polygraph as highly improved, etc. The fact is that
the only "improvement" is in the intimidation
factor.
c. The polygraph industry knows that it suffers from
a poor image regarding reliability (and rightfully
so) and has adopted computerization in an
attempt to make it look like accuracy has
improved.
d. In reality, little has changed since the 1930s when
the analog came into the market.
e. Polygraphy is still based on the same flawed assumptions. The fact remains that
there is no exclusive relationship between the physiological functions measured
by the polygraph and attempts at deception.
f. Even if a polygraph could be created that was 100 percent accurate in measuring
breathing, skin conductivity, and blood pressure, without a valid theory
connecting these measurements to deception (which does not exist) it would still
leave us no closer to an accurate "lie-detector"
g. The polygraph machine analyzes four physiological responses: heart rate, blood
pressure, respiratory rate, and electro-dermal activity. 

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 ST. FERDINAND COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY
City of Ilagan, Isabela
FORENSIC 5 (LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES)
SECOND SEMESTER, A.Y. 2022-2023

h. The signals are printed out on scrolling paper if the device is an analog
polygraph and on a computer screen if it is a digital polygraph. 

BASIC DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANALOG AND COMPUTERIZED OR DIGITAL

In an analog polygraph, the displaced air

acts on a bellows, an accordion-like device that
contracts when the tubes expand. This bellows is
attached to a mechanical arm, which is connected
to an ink-filled pen that makes marks on the
scrolling paper when the subject takes a breath. A
digital polygraph also uses the pneumographs, but
employs transducers to convert the energy of the
displaced air into electronic signals. A blood-
pressure cuff is placed around the subject's upper
arm. Tubing runs from the cuff to the polygraph. In
analog, as blood pumps through the arm it makes
sound; the changes in pressure caused by the
sound displace the air in the tubes, which are
connected to a bellows, which moves the pen. In
digital polygraphs, these signals are converted into
electrical signals by transducers.

IS THE COMPUTERIZED POLYGRAPH INSTRUMENT BETTER THAN THE

MECHANICAL/ANALOG POLYGRAPH INSTRUMENT?

The mechanical (or analog) polygraph

instrument has been around for 50 years and is
still widely used today. Just a few years ago
computerized polygraph instruments were
developed. These new systems included
complicated chart analysis formulas and inkless
display systems (on a computer screen rather
than a roll of chart paper). Scoring of the charts is
done the same for both systems, but the
computerized system has built-in aids for the
examiner and prevents equipment failures that
are sometimes experienced with mechanical equipment. Experts believed that, at this
time the computerized systems are not well-enough advanced to be called superior to
the analog systems, although they are admittedly easier to use. A competent and
qualified examiner can be equally effective with either system. Stoelting CPS II
Computerized Polygraph System. The most technologically advanced lie detection
system in the world.

What are the Major Components of the Polygraph Instrument? GROUP 3

1, The pnuemograph component – this component

occupies the two upper pens of the instrument which records
the thoracic and abdominal breathing patterns of respiration.
This is accomplished through the use of a pneumograph
consisting of two hollow corrugated tubes about seven

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 ST. FERDINAND COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY
City of Ilagan, Isabela
FORENSIC 5 (LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES)
SECOND SEMESTER, A.Y. 2022-2023

inches in length and lock by the beaded chain. The inhalation/ exhalation of the subject
causes the tubes to expand and contract, thereby reflecting the change through billows
to the pen into the chart.

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 ST. FERDINAND COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY
City of Ilagan, Isabela
FORENSIC 5 (LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES)
SECOND SEMESTER, A.Y. 2022-2023

2. The Galvanograph Component - This is the longest and the third pen of the
instrument. The electrodes are attached to the index finger and the ring finger of the
right hand. The galvanograph component is to record the skin resistance of the
subject.
3. The cardiograph component - This is the fourth and the bottom pen of the

instrument.
This system records changes in mean blood
pressure, rate and strength of pulse beat by
means of a medical blood pressure cuff containing
a rubber bladder that is wrapped around the upper
arm, in a manner that places the bladder against the
brachial artery.

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 ST. FERDINAND COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY
City of Ilagan, Isabela
FORENSIC 5 (LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES)
SECOND SEMESTER, A.Y. 2022-2023

4. The kymograph component - This is the chart-drive recording unit of the

instrument. It has a synchronized motor that drives the charts at the rate of six (6) to
twelve (12) inches per minute and its speed constant is vital because the vertical
lines, which are spaced either at one-half of an inch interval.
What are the Detachable Parts of the Polygraph
Instrument?
1. Finger Electrodes
2. Blood pressure cuff
3. Pump bulb
4. The pneumo tube 1 and pneumo tube 2

What are the Built-in Accessories of the polygraph

instrument?

1. Kymograph or chart driving mechanisms

a. Chart roll arbor
b. Idler roller
c. Pen table paper guided
d. Sprocket roller
e. Cutter bar
g. Off and On power switch, synchronous
motor.

2. Pen and Inking System

a. Capillary pen
b. Ink well plates
c. Ink dropper
d. Cuct bill

3. Pneumograph Section
a. Rubber jellows
b. Beaded chain
c. Rubber flexible tubing
d. Pneumograph tube connection
e. pneumograph tube connecting
f. pneumograph distributing ink
g. Vent value and vent bottom
h. pen centering control
4. Cardio section
a. Pump bulb assembly
b. Blood pressure pump connection
c. Blood pressure cuff assembly
d. Connector block,
e. Sphygmomanometer

5. Galvanograph section
a. Finger electrode
b. Electrode jellow
c. Gavanometer

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 ST. FERDINAND COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY
City of Ilagan, Isabela
FORENSIC 5 (LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES)
SECOND SEMESTER, A.Y. 2022-2023

What are the Parts and functions of the Polygraph instruments?

1. Pen lifter – raises or lowers pen to (3) positions

2. Chart Drive Module – propels chart paper at the rate of 6-12 inches per minute.
Also known as kymograph.
3. Paper Tear Bar – provides cutting edge for removal of charts..
4. Mechanical Pneumo Module - recording part of mechanical Pneumo channel.
5. Galvani Skin Reflex (GSR) module – recording parts of GSR Channel.
6. Mechanical Cardio Module – recording part of mechanical cardio channel.
7. Chart Drive Roller lever – lifts chart drive roller for paper changes and chart
removal.
8. Sphygmomanometer dial – reads operating pressure of cardio channel.
9. Pneumo 1 – pneumatic connection for upper (thoracic) pneumograph.
10. Pneumo 2 – pneumatic connection for lower (abdominal) pneumograph.
11. Arm Cuff – connection for cardio channel subject cuff tubing.
12. Pump Bulb – connection for hand pump used to inflate subject cuff.
13. Vent – performs venting function on pneumatic system.
14. Centering Control – positions pen on chart. Rotating clockwise raise the pen,
while counterclockwise rotation lowers it.
15. Sensitivity Control – determines the tracing size (amplitude). Rotating
clockwise increases size while counterclockwise rotating decreases size.
16. GSR mode Switch – selects the operating mode for GSR Channel Manual or
Automatic.
17. GSR Input Connector – accepts plug from GSR subject attachment cord.
18. Cardio Lock Lever – immobilized Mechanical cardio mechanism when not in
use.

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 ST. FERDINAND COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY
City of Ilagan, Isabela
FORENSIC 5 (LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES)
SECOND SEMESTER, A.Y. 2022-2023

What are the different control mechanism of the Polygraph Instrument?

1. Resonance Control – it allows you to clear up or make a better when you have
too much pulse pressure of the subject.
2. Hand Electrode – this is fastened to the hand by a stretched band. Function is to
make electrical contact with the subject.
3. Panel Control – to allow the operator to control or adjust the operation of the
galvanograph.
Other five Important Controls:
1. Off and On Power Switch – on switch energized the galvanograph section.
2. Subject’s Resistance Control – balance the galvo section to the skin resistance
of the subject.
3. Reactive Control – adjusts sensitivity of the galvo section.
4. Self-Centered Normal Switch – selects either mode of operation.
5. Self –Centering Mode – the circuit electronically centers the pen itself after
every excursion.

The Control Mechanism of the CARDIO-SPHYGMOGRAPH section

1. Manual Centering Knob – used to place cardio in its proper place on the chart.
2. Vent Valve – is used to left atmospheric pressure into the system and used to
release pressure all or parts of the pressure.
3. Resonance Control - is used to decrease the amplitude of the cardio tracing and
used to sharpen the diacrotic notch.

The Control Mechanism of the PNEUMOGRAPH section

1. Manual Centering Knob – used to position base line of the pneumo tracing on
the upper heavy horizontal line.
2. Vent – with the vent down, the system is closed and non-operative. With the vent
up, the system is open and read to use.

References:

1. POLYGRAPH THE ART AND SCIENCE OF LIE DETECTION; By Nicolas S.

Caballero; Philippine Copyright, 2012 By Wiseman’s Books Trading, INC.
2. Dualan, Jesusreydel T. – “Notes on Basic Polygraph Operation”.
3. Manalo, Cenon E.-“Handbook on Polygraph (Lie Detector) and Examination
Techniques”.
4. “Operational Manual of Polygraph”
5. Handbook on polygraph: By Rosemarie B. Curugan, Homer T, Dalilis and Dipnip
P, Pagnas: Copyright 2003 By J.C. Palabay Enterprises, Inc.
6. Polygraphy Lie Detection , By Col. William A. Revisa, and Prof. Joner C. Villaluz,
Philippine Copyright, 2011, by Wiseman’s Book Trading, Inc.
7. https://youtu.be/K4iHk8xVfSg
8. https://youtu.be/c5rJm4jOcbc
9. https://youtu.be/2aMGtXSz2ZE

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 ST. FERDINAND COLLEGE
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY
City of Ilagan, Isabela
FORENSIC 5 (LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES)
SECOND SEMESTER, A.Y. 2022-2023

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