LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES

Prepared by:
JOPHER F. NAZARIO, RCrim., MSCJ

BASIC CONCEPTS

What is lie?
● Any falsehood or untruth knowingly told without regard to its specific purpose

● Falsehood or untruth that deceives or creates a false impression in the mind of another

● A false statement knowingly made and on purpose with the intention of deceiving.

● The most basic component of a lie is the statement of falsehood or untruth. It is because, if there
is no falsehood or untruth, there could not be a lie at all

Types of Lies
1. Direct Denial - this is a direct denial of the act in question that creates an emotional sense of
disturbance. The reply given to a query must be evaluated in terms of what was asked to know if
the answer is proper.
2. Lie of Omission – usually used because it is simple to tell. It is committed by telling the truth
while omitting details that could create possible troubles.
3. Lie of Fabrication – the most difficult type of lie.
4. Lie of Minimization – accepting that something has occurred but downplays the implication.
Could be used if wanted to stay close to the truth.
5. Lie of Exaggeration – used to exaggerate things for the hope of obtaining some advantage.

Other Types of Lies

1. Benign or White Lies – used to maintain harmony of friendship, home or office.
2. Red Lie – used to destroy other ideologies by means of propaganda.
3. Malicious Lie – chronic lie purely used to misled justice, a pure dishonesty to obstruct justice.
4. Black Lie – also known as disguised lie.

Types of Liars
1. Panic Liar – a person who lies in order to avoid the consequences of confession. He/she is afraid
of embarrassment to love ones and is a serious blow to his/her ego
2. Occupational Liar – is someone who has lied for years. This person is a practical liar and lies
when it has higher payoff than telling the truth.
3. Tournament Liar – a person who loves to lie and is excited by the challenge of not being detected.
He/she views an interview as another contest and wants to win. He/she lies because it is the only
weapon remaining with which to fight. This person realizes that he/she will probably be
convicted but will not give the satisfaction of hearing him/her confess. He/she wants people to
believe that the law is punishing an innocent person.
4. Ethnological Liar – a person who was trained not to be a squealer. This person loves to be
interrogated and has taken a creed either personal or with others, that he/she will never reveal the
truth.
5. Psychopathic Liar – this type of liar has no conscience. He/she shows no regret for his dishonest
actions and no manifestation of guilt. This is the most difficult type of liar because he is a good
actor.
 6. Pathological Liar – a person who cannot distinguish what is right from wrong. These are those
people who are mentally sick.

Psychophysiology
● A science involving the presentation of stimuli to one or more of the human senses to determine
the effects of those stimuli when physiologically processed on selected psychological activities.
● It studies the correlations between the mind, behavior, and bodily mechanism.

● Stimuli – is a force or motion reaching the organism and excites the body receptors

Forensic Psychophysiology
● A science that deals with the relationship and application of psycho-physiological detection of
deception examination to the legal system.
● It could be use in court or in legal system as basis of deception detection.

● It delimits the scope of Psychophysiology.

● It was replaced by the word “Polygraph Examination or Test”.

The psychophysiological basis of deception (Lying and its effects to the nervous system)

It has been observe that in majority of cases when a person tells a lie or commit an act of deception, he
will experience a feeling of guilt, fear or anxiety. When this happens, it triggers a set of reactions in the
body’s Nervous System characterized by the “fight or flight” response. The recording of the
aforementioned psycho-physiological reactions of a subject when he is subjected to a series of physical
and emotional stimuli (guilt, fear or anxiety), and the scientific interpretation by trained experts are the
basis of the various methods of detecting deception

Nervous System
● Is a system of cells, tissues and organs that regulates the body’s responses to internal and external
stimuli.
● It is the major controlling, regulatory, and communicating system in the body.

● It is the center of all mental activity including thought, learning, and memory.

● Through its receptors, the nervous system keeps us in touch with our environment both external
and internal.

Components of the Nervous System

1. Central Nervous System – primarily controls the motor and sensory functions. It is composed of
the brain and spinal cord.

2. Peripheral Nervous System – carries information to and from the Central Nervous System. The
Peripheral Nervous System is divided into two (2) sections
 a. Sensory/Afferent Nervous System – sends information from internal or external stimuli
to the Central Nervous System.

b. Motor/Efferent Nervous System – carries information from the Central Nervous System
to organs, muscle, and glands.

i. Somatic Nervous System – controls organs under voluntary control. This system
is said to be voluntary because the responses can be controlled consciously.

ii. Autonomic Nervous System – act as self-regulating autonomic response of the

body, which regulates individual organ function and homeostasis, and for the
most part is not subject to voluntary control. It controls involuntarily the muscles
and responsible for monitoring conditions in the internal environment and
bringing about appropriate changes in them. There are two (2) major components
of the Autonomic Nervous System which functions opposite each other.

1. Parasympathetic – it controls activities that conserve energy

expenditures. Often referred to as the body’s “rest and digest” system
because it maintains and restores body energy. It direct bloods to
digestive track and make sure that the body actively digest food. It also
maintains blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate at a low level.

2. Sympathetic – it controls activities that increase energy expenditures.

Often referred to as the body’s “fight or flight” system because it
prepares the body for emergencies. It shunts the blood to the muscles and
increases blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate, enabling the body
to cope with stressful situations.

POLYGRAPHY
● refers to the scientific method of detecting deception with the aid or used of the polygraph
machine
● The word was derived from the words: POLY means “many”; and GRAPH means “writing
chart”.

Nature of Polygraphy
1. Polygraph is an instrument used for instrumental interrogation. It does not and cannot detect lies.
It is incapable of drawing or interpreting any conclusions. It is a sensitive machine, which need
interpretation.
2. Polygraph is designed and constructed to assist the expert examiner in arriving at an expert
diagnostic opinion. The best machine is useless in the hands of someone who does not know how
to utilize an instrument.
3. The so-called “Lie Detector” is the man operating the machine and the value of the polygraph is
directly proportionate to the knowledge, skill, education, competence, training and ability of the
examiner. The man as a fallible human being should not be overlooked and therefore examiner
are subjected to errors.

Theory of Polygraph Examination

The conscious mental effort of a mentally normal person to lie causes psycho-physiological changes
within his body that could be recorded by the polygraph instrument and diagnosed or evaluated by the
polygraph examiner.

Purpose of Polygraph Examination

The purpose of polygraph examination is to determine truth or deception based on the presence of
emotional disturbance of the subject as appearing on the recorded physiological responses to question
relative to the case under investigation.

Uses of Polygraphy
1. It is an investigative aid to investigator to:
a. Confirm the statements of victims.
b. Ascertain the credibility of witnesses.
c. Assess truthfulness of suspects.
2. It speeds up the process of investigation.
3. It eliminates innocent subjects.
4. It can help the investigator to focus to one subject to determine truth or deception.

Limitations of Polygraph Examination

The reliability of polygraph examination depends on the examiner, but the employment of the polygraph
has its limitations, and these are the following:

1. It is an invaluable aid, but it is not 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; it records responses to that the subject knows to be true.
4. It is as accurate as the examiner is competent.
5. The test should not be given until enough facts of the case have been established to permit an
examiner to prepare a complete set of sustainable questions
6. A test should not be given without the voluntary consent of the subject.
7. No indication should be given to any person or written in any report that a person is guilty
because he/she refuses to take the test.
8. A test should not be administered until the accusations have been explained to the subject.
9. No attempt to use polygraph for mental or physical evaluation of any person.
10. Examination should not be conducted to an unfit subject.
a. must have a good night sleep of at least five (5) hours prior to the test.
b. must refrain from smoking for at least two (2) hours.
c. should not undergo prolonged interrogation prior to the test.
d. must not have been subjected to physical abuse or body contact.
e. must refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages, sedatives, or capsule/syrup for at least
twelve (12) hours prior to the test.
f. must not be suffering from any temporary illness like headache, toothache, stomachache,
fever, menstruation (for female), severe colds and coughs.
g. must not be hungry.
h. must not have sex indulgence prior to the test.

The Polygraph Examiner

Moral Qualities
 1. free of prejudice.
2. sincere desire to become a polygraph examiner
3. devote himself/herself to the polygraph profession by maintaining a high personality, integrity,
and by increasing his personal proficiency thru constant study and research
4. always conduct an examination in a professional and ethical manner.
5. always remember that he/she is an impartial seeker of the truth.

Technical Qualifications
1. The examiner must be well trained at the polygraph training facility.
2. The examiner must have a complete knowledge of the instrument and its capabilities and
limitations as to the most polygraph techniques.
3. The examiner must be proficient in the conduct of polygraph examinations, test construction
and chart interpretation.

Responsibilities of Polygraph Examiner to subject

1. The examiner recognizes the fact that his primary responsibility must be to the person who
has voluntarily submitted himself to a polygraph examination.
2. The examiner should never conduct examination on person without first the appraisal of the
subject’s constitutional rights, rights against self-incrimination.
3. The examiner should never render a certain or conclusive verbal or written opinion based on
the chart analysis without having administered at least two or more charts.
4. The examiner should not suggest testimony concerning the charts or conclusions presented by
another examiner unless he is methodically familiar with the techniques and procedures
employed

POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

Examination Room - An ideal examination room for polygraph examination must be:

1. The room is spacious for two persons.

2. It must be well ventilated.
3. It must be well lighted.
4. It must not be decorated.
5. It must be 90% sound proof.

Phases of Polygraph Examination

Phase I – Initial Interview with the Investigator handling the case - essential for the examiner to
obtain information concerning all the available facts and circumstances that form the basis for the
suspicion or accusation directed against the person to be examined in order to conduct a satisfactory
polygraph examination. It is during this phase that test questions are formulated. Phase I includes the
following:
1. Acquiring and evaluating facts
2. Determining the areas the subject needs to be asked.
3. The investigator must furnish the examiner the following: Sworn Statements; Incident or Spot
Report; Background Investigations; Rough Sketch or pictures of the crime scene and other facts

Phase II – Pre – test Interview - essential both for the purpose of conditioning the subject for the
examination and also to provoke indications of guilt or innocence. It must be conducted in a friendly
manner and no accusatory approach is made in this phase. The primary purpose of the pre-test interview
is to prepare or condition the subject for the test. Phase II includes the following:
1. The appraisal of subject’s constitutional rights.
2. Obtain subject’s consent to undergo polygraph test by signing statement of consent
3. The taking of subject’s personal data. Clinical observation of the subject.
4. Evaluating the psychological preparation of the subject.
5. Informing the subject of his involvement of the case.

Phase III – Conduct of Instrumentation or Actual Test - attachment of polygraph components on the
subject. review all the questions being prepared with the subject before the actual examination is made.
Test instruction is also given to the subject. The answer of the subject is limited to YES or NO in order to
avoid distortion of tracing on the chart.

Phase IV – Post-test Interview/Interrogation - includes all consideration that bears on the examination
just after the instrument is turned off. if there are significant fluctuations that show up on the polygraph
test result this may signal that the subject has been deceptive, the examiner will then proceed to conduct
short interrogation. The purpose of which is to obtain confession or admission. if the chart of the
polygraph indicates that the subject is innocent, the examiner will just release the subject cordially and
thanks him\her for his\her cooperation.

FORMULATION OF TEST QUESTIONS

General Consideration in Formulation of Test Questions

1. Question must be simple and direct.
2. Must not involve legal terminology.
3. Must be answerable by Yes or No.
4. Must be short as possible.
5. The meaning must be cleared and unmistakable phrase in a language and the subject can be easily
understood.
6. Must not be in the form of an accusation.
7. Question must never contain inference which presupposes knowledge on the part of the subject.
8. All questions must refer to only one element of an offense.
9. Must not contain inferences to one’s religion, race or belief.

Types of Test Questions

1. Irrelevant Questions (IR) - Questions design to be emotionally neutral to examinee (aka

“norms” and “neutral”). Should be answered with “Yes”. Type of questions in which both the
examinee and the examiner know the true answer. It is intended to establish the examinee’s
physiological norm. Examples: Is today __________?; Is your last name __________?; Right
now, are you wearing _________ color shirt?

2. Comparison Questions (C) - Class of questions that serve to elicit physiologic response of
innocent examinee (aka. “Control”)

Types:

2.1 Non-Current Exclusive Control Questions (NCECQ) - Questions formulated in the same
category of offense or matter as the relevant question. Separated in “time” from the relevant issue
with the use of a time bar. Consider as an “earlier in life” (non-current control questions.
Examples: During the first 19 years of your life. Do you remember ever deliberately causing
 someone physical harm?; Before this year. Do you remember ever provoking any dispute?;
Between the age of 19 to 28. do you remember ever wanting to hurt someone?

2.2 Current Exclusive Control Questions (CECQ) - Formulated to be in the same category
with the relevant question. However, not separated in time for the relevant issue with the use of
time bar, thus considered a current control question. It exclude specific crime from the relevant
issue. Example: This not connected with the injury inflicted against PO1 John Doe. Did you ever
hurt anyone out of anger?

2.3 Non-Exclusive Control Questions (NECQ) - Formulated to be in the same category with the
relevant question/issue. However, it is not separated in time from the relevant issue and it
excludes the crime or matter of the relevant question. Example: Have you ever physically hurt
anyone?

Manner/way of asking:

Probable Lie (Control) Questions – the question is designed to induce innocent people to
answer in negative, even though most are lying. Innocent examinee is expected to experience
concern about their answer that shows in their physiological response

Directed Lie (Control) Questions – the examinee is instructed to respond negatively and
untruthfully

Expected answer for the Comparison Questions - Whether the comparison is of NCECQ,
NECQ, CECQ; regardless whether the manner of asking is probable or directed lie, it is expected
that the examinee will give “No” answer.

3. Relevant Questions (R) - Those that deals with the true issue of concern to the investigation.
Designed to pose a threat in the security of the deceptive or guilty examinee and elicit his/her
psychological set.

3.1 Primary Issue (Strong Relevant/Crucial) – this question tests direct involvement to the
matter under investigation (did you do it? Type). Example: On May 11, 2014, did you fire any of
the shots that wounded police officer john doe?

3.2 Secondary Issue (2nd Strongest) – lesser action of the crime than direct involvement.
Example: Regarding the robbery at the ANLAZA Pawnshop, did you intentionally left the back
door open for the robbers to gain entry?

3.3 Evidence Connecting (3rd Strongest) – to determine examinees awareness of the nature,
location of various items of evidence or fruits of crime. Example: Do you know where the stolen
laptop of Mr. John Doe is now?; Is the seminal stain collected at the crime scene yours?

3.4 Guilty Knowledge – any knowledge of who committed the crime under investigation.
Example: Do you know in particular who stole the laptop of Mr. John Doe?
 4. SKY Questions - An optional questions use to verify previous charts. S – Suspect, K – Know and
Y – You. Examples: S – do you Suspect anyone in particular of stealing the money?; K – do you
Know for sure who stole the money?; Y – did You stole the money?

5. Sacrifice Relevant (SR) Questions - Introduce the relevant issue under investigation which is
typically answered by “YES”. Example: Regarding whether or not you shot police officer john
doe, do you intend to answer truthfully each question about that?

6. Symptomatic Question (SY) - Use to determine whether the examinee is truly convinced that
the Forensic Psychophysiologist (FP) will not ask an unreviewed question during the Polygraph
Verification (VP) Test and whether there is something else the examinee is afraid the FP will ask
him a question about, even though the FP promised to the examinee he would not. Example: Are
you completely convinced that I will not ask you an unreviewed question in this chart?; Is there
something else you are afraid I will ask you a question about, even though I told I would not?

7. Inside Issue Control Question (IIC) - This type of question is designed to illicit a response from
an innocent subject who is fearful that an error will be made on the test. Example: Are you afraid
an error will be made on this test regarding the shooting of police officer john doe?

8. Inside Issue Relevant (IIR) - Designed to illicit response from a guilty examinee who hopes that
an error will be made on the test in hope that his deception will not be detected. Example: Are
you hoping n error will be made on this test regarding the shooting of police officer john doe?

9. Counter Measure (CM) - Use to determine if the examinee tries to employ countermeasures.
Example: Did you deliberately do anything to try and beat the test?

POLYGRAPH TECHNIQUES

Test Techniques

1. General Question Test

a. It is about the case under investigation.
b. These are sequence of relevant, irrelevant and control question asked in a designed order.
c. It is arrange in order to contrast the subject’s responses between relevant questions and
control questions.
d. The answer to the questions is restricted to YES or NO only.
e. Purposes:
i. To get the standard tracing of the subject
ii. To established a true telling pattern for initial part of the record

2. Stimulation or Verification Test (Card or Number Test)

a. It is intended to assure the innocent examinee of the accurateness of the test.
b. It further serves to arouse the guilty examinee.
c. Purposes:
i. To check the possible deliberate distortion when the chosen number is ask
ii. To obtain a chart wherein the subject is not under stress

3. Spot Responder Test

a. It contains questions previously asked in General Question Test.
b. Purpose: To determine the responsiveness of the subject to crucial question and also
serve as a check on possibility of spot respond
 4. Mixed Question Test
a. It is the same with Spot Responder Test but the Questions of GQT is again mixed
b. Purpose: to compare the degree of reaction between control and relevant question

5. Silent Answer Test

a. The subject is instructed by the examiner to avoid from giving any verbal answer to the
questions that are to be asked of him during the test.
b. Purpose: to serve as an affirmative check

6. Supplementary Test
a. It is performed and incorporated as a part of the standard procedure or may used as
supplementary tests depending upon the result of the standard test.
b. Following the supplementary test:

i. Yes Test - It should be administered before the mixed question test in cases
where a distortion arises on the general question test, card or third test It is
performed by giving instruction to the subject to answer “yes’ to all the questions
to be asked, including those all questions that pertains to the issue under
investigation. The control question is removed as a preventive measure for the
subject to avoid from being concerned over the control questions and having a
temptation to distort the polygraph record.

ii. Guilt Complex Test - It is essential to conduct if the respond to the previous test
is doubtful. It consists of a test concerning fabricated incident of a similar nature
but one which appears to be real in so far as the subject is concerned. The
purpose of this test is to compare the responses with those that emerge on the
actual test record when question were asked about the issue under investigation
The guilt complex question acts as a defense against mistaking the relevant
question responses of the guilt complex reactor for deception responses It acts as
a specialized control question.

THE POLYGRAPH INSTRUMENT

Kinds of Polygraph Machine

1. Mechanical or Analog Polygraph

2. Computerized Polygraph – this new system includes: complicated chart analysis formulas
inkless display system subject recorded responses are shown in the computer screen and not
being recorded on a roll of chart paper. Built – in aids for scoring of the charts and prevents
equipment failures that are sometimes experience with mechanical equipment.

The Four (4) Major Components of Polygraph

1. Pneumograph - records changes of the thoracic and abdominal breathing of the subject..
Pneumograph Components
a. Chest Assemby
i. Rubber-convoluted tube – attached over the chest and abdomen area of the
subject. around 10 inches long; one end of which is sealed other end is
connected to the instrument by another thick walled rubber tube considerably in
diameter than the pneumograph tube itself.
 ii. Beaded Chain tubing – locked the pneumograph tube.
b. Recording Unit – consist of a frame, brass bellows, crankshaft, countershaft, adjustable
fulcrum, bearing with adjusting screw pen travel, vent limiting screws, pen cradle and
pen centering control.

2. Galvanograph - records changes in the skin resistance of the subject to very small amount of
electricity. detect changes in the skin resistance of the subject amplify these changes and record it
on the chart. Galvanograph Components
a. Finger Electrode Assembly – two metal plates are connected to the last joint of subject’s
left index and ring finger and into the instrument in such a manner that the skin resistance
is a circuit element of the machine. It consists of finger electrode plate with retainer
bonds and connecting plug.
b. Amplifier Unit – detects any changes in the skin resistance of the subject, amplifies it
and furnishes current to operate the galvanometer.
c. Galvanometer-Recording Unit – converts electrical to mechanical energy. Electrical
current flowing through the galvanometer causes the mechanical movement of a 7-inch
recording pen.

3. Cardiosphymograph - records changes of systolic blood pressure amplitude and pulse rate of the
subject. Cardiosphymograph Component
a. Blood Pressure Cuff Assembly – a medical blood pressure cuff containing a rubber
bladder wrapped and attached around the upper right arm of the subject that transmit
impulse against the brachial artery. The cuff is connected to the instrument and a hand
pump with a pressure indicating gauge.
b. Pump Bulb Assembly – inflates the system and a hose connects the blood pressure cuff
through which the blood pressure changes and passed into the recording unit.
c. Sphygmomanometer – indicates the air pressure present in the system in millimeters of
mercury.
d. Vent – provides the means by which air in the system can be released.
e. Resonance Control – provides the means for reducing or increasing the amount of air
pressure to reach the brass bellows unit and thus reduce or increase the amplitude of pen
excursions.
f. Centering Control – provides for adjusting the tracing so that the composite record
pattern would be on the guideline.
g. Recording Unit – records the blood pressure and pulse rate changes on the chart paper
through a 5-inch recording pen.

4. Kymograph - the motor that pulls or drives the chart paper under the recording pen
simultaneously at the rate of 6 to 12 inches per minute. It also has a chart or paper feed
mechanism. Chart travel at a uniform speed to facilitate valid interpretations. Chart paper is
driven past the recording pen shaft at uniform speed of 6 inches per minute. Chart rolls are about
100-ft. Paper is imprinted with horizontal lines ¼ inch interval (20 Divisions) and vertical lines at
1/10 inch intervals with heavy lines at ½ inch divisions across the paper represents 5 seconds of
time. Kymograph Components
a. Paper well Writing Table
b. Paper Guide Rails
c. Paper Roller Assembly with Sprockets
d. Chart Feed Switch
e. AC Power Input Connector
f. 5 Volt GC Cycle Synchronous Motor
 Attachment - Position the subject in a manner that he looks straight ahead with the instrument
the examiner to the right side or rear somewhat ahead of the kymograph or chart drive so that the
polygraph tracing will not distract the subject. The first to be attached is the Pneumograph,
followed by Cardiosphymograph and the Galvanograph.

CHART MARKING, PROBING, INTERPRETATION

Chart Marking - Facilitate evaluation and interpretation of test chart. Markings are made with the use of
signs and symbols to enable the examiner to determine the following:

1. Exact time the test commenced and terminated

2. Initial and final blood pressure and Galvanograph reading
3. Particular point where each question ask started and ended, corresponding identification of
question, and the type and time of the given answer by the subject
4. Duration and amplitude of reaction patterns
5. Any instruction given or repetition of questions made
6. Any movement cough, talking by the subject or outside distraction that occurred
7. Mechanical adjustment or readjustment made
8. Time interval between questions
9. Extraneous factors affecting test charts such as paper jams
10. Chart number, name of the subject, time and date

Chart Probing - Conducted every after the taking of each chart. The examiner shows the recorded result
with brief explanation as to the importance of the recorded reactions. He points out the difference
between reactions accompanying irrelevant questions. The examiner informs the subjects that the probing
being done is essential, in order to attain the test objectives.

Purpose of Chart Probing

1. Determine the reason of the recorded responses.
2. Composed an overly stimulated subject.
3. Clarify confusion that might have been caused by the questions asked.
4. Convince a doubtful subjects who may been testing the instrument or competence of the
examiner.
5. Re-stimulate a subjects who has little response or no response at all.
6. Know the cause or origin of a flat or unemotional chart.
7. Gain additional information-essential to any specific issues.
8. Set the stage for the following chart by correcting the given questions that needs rephrasing.
9. Sustain a kind psychological pressure.
10. Confirm whether or not subject has been truthful in answering the question asked during the test.

Test Data Analysis/Chart Interpretation

Chart or Polygrams - refers to the composite records of pneumograph, Galvanograph and

cardiosphygmograph tracings recorded from series of questions

Polygraph Chart Tracings

1. Average Tracing Segment (Tonic Level) - shows no physiological evidence of a change in the
emotional level within the stress area on the polygraph chart
 2. Reaction Tracing Segment (Phasic or Tonic Response) - shows physiological evidence that the
sympathetic subdivision of the autonomic nervous system has become more active, indicating a
physiological change from the subject’s average emotional level. Response to stimulus (test
questions)

3. Relief Tracing Segment (Hemostatic Change) - shows physiological evidence that the
parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system has become more active following the
stress area on the polygraph chart, indicating a psychological return to the subject’s exhibited
average emotional level occurring as a compensatory action after reaction or artifact

4. Distortion Tracing Segment (Artifact) - tracing that departs from average emotional level but
lacks physiological evidence of either sympathetic or parasympathetic activation within the stress
area on the polygraph chart, indicating absence of psychological origin. Change in physiological
pattern not attributable to stimulus or hemostatic change

Spot Analysis - The procedure wherein each tracing on each test is separately evaluated by comparing
the response of the relevant question to the response of a control question.

Pneumograph
● Consist of inhalation and exhalation strokes with the adjusted amplitudes from ½ to 1 inch
● The desired amplitude is ¾ of an inch
● The normal cyclic rate is 13 to 18 breaths per minute. This may vary due to a person’s physical
condition and/or physical build

Pneumograph Evaluation Criteria

Pneumograph changes may be considered reaction when occurring in a timely manner to an applied
stimulus (test questions) when there is no unwanted noise in the signal of interest

Electrodermal Tracing

Electrodermal tracing is consists of a relatively horizontal tracing indicative of the level of electrical
resistance in the skin, due to hydration. The sensitivity has been properly adjusted when the examinee
shows a response to a stimulus.

Cardiovascular Tracing

The contraction and relaxation of the heart causes the polygraph to record the following:
● systolic stroke
● diastolic stroke
● dicrotic notch which appear on the diastolic stroke
● The tracing should be adjusted from ½ to 1 inch, with the desired amplitude of being ¾ of an inch

Numerical Scoring

The 7-Position Numerical Analysis Scale Scoring

● Relies on spot analysis where each relevant question has a location (spot)
 ● The examiner looks for changes in the baseline, amplitude, duration, and frequency of the
recorded signals at each spot and compares them to the activities at the nearest control question
(often the strongest control is chosen)
● Values on a 7-point scale (-3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3) are assigned to the differential of the two
responses (control and relevant questions)
○ 1 – reaction to a question is subtly greater than the question to which it is compared
○ 2 – reaction is obviously better
○ 3 – dramatically better
○ 0 – reactions are equal
○ Negative values (-) indicate higher reaction on the RELEVANT QUESTIONS
○ Positive values (+) indicate higher response on the CONTROL QUESTIONS
● The overall score for each spot is calculated by summing the assigned values across charts for
each channel (two respiratory tracings are added together)
● The grand total is the sum of all spot totals. A grand total score of:
○ +6 and greater - NON-DECEPTION INDICATED (NDI)
○ -6 and less – DECEPTION INDICATED (DI)
○ Anything in between - INCONCLUSIVE (INC)
● The scoring procedure may differ by the PDD examination type, policy of the agency, and the
examiner's training and experience

Chart Interpretation
1. Accuracy of instrumental Detection of Deception is dependent upon the examiner’s capability to
diagnose truth or deception by reading and interpreting the chart of the subject.
2. Question Formulation is the key note to accurate chart interpretation.
3. The Cardinal Rule in Chart Interpretation is “Any changes from normal requires an explanation”

Rules in Chart Interpretation

1. A thorough evaluation of norm is compulsory in chart interpretation.
2. Norm is the keynote in differentiating responses containing true deception criteria and those
created only by impact of the stimuli itself
3. Norm should always be considered primarily against deviation from norm as the result of certain
stimuli.
4. The best indication of deception is the simultaneous specific responses in the three (3) tracing of
the chart.
5. There must be a specific response.
6. To be specific response:
a. The response must form deviation from norm.
b. It must appear in at least two (2) test charts.

VALIDITY AND LEGAL ASPECT OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

Validity

With respect to polygraph, the question is whether the polygraph examiner is consistently able to detect
deception. Factors in the error of examination:
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 living 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 (Lie Detection and Criminal Interrogation by Fred Imbau
and John Reid, The Williams & Wilkins Co. p.65)

Legal Aspect
● The polygraph examiner’s opinion, analysis and interpretation of the test chart generally are not
acceptable as evidence particularly if standing alone.
● The examiner may testify in the voluntariness of any statement, admission or confession obtained
after an individual agreed to the test.
● Polygraph and expertise testimony relating thereto may be admissible upon stipulation to:
○ corroborate with other evidence of the defendants participation in crime charge; or
○ corroborate to impeach of his own testimony subject to conditions

Condition for the admissibility of polygraph result upon stipulation

1. The counsel of both parties and subject all have sign written stipulation providing for his
admission to the graph and examiner’s opinion thereon in behalf of either defendant or the state

2. That the admissibility of test result is subject to the discretion of the trial judge, if the trial judge
is not convinced that the examiner is qualified or the test was conducted in a proper condition, the
judge may refuse to accept such evidence

3. That if the graph and the examiner’s opinion are offered in evidence, the opposing party shall
have the right to cross examine the examiner respecting the following:
a. The examiner’s qualification and training
b. The condition under which the test is administered
c. At the discretion of the trial judge, any other matter deem pertinent to the inquiry
d. The limitation and possibilities for errors in the technique

4. That if such evidence is admitted:

a. The examiner testimony does not tend to prove any element of the crime that which a
defendant is charge
b. That test is only to indicate that at the time of the examination subject was not telling the
truth. It is the trial judge who will determine the weight and effect of such testimony

NOTE: Failure of Counsel to object to admissibility of test result of polygraph constitutes waiver.

Reasons for the inadmissibility to the court of the result of polygraph examination
1. The polygraph techniques are still in the experimental stage and have not received the degree of
standardization of acceptance among scientists.
2. The trier of fact is apt to give almost conclusive weight to the polygraph expert’s opinion
3. T-here is no way to assure that a qualified examiner administered the test.
4. The polygraph is capable of a high degree of accuracy only when conducted under controlled
conditions by an examiner who is highly qualified due to his ability, experience, education and
integrity.
5. Since the polygraph involves a certain unconscious quality of the examinee, he may unwittingly
waive his or her right against self-incrimination. It becomes necessary to determine the scope of
the defendant’s waiver if he voluntarily submits to the test.
6. The test itself cannot be relied upon because it has many errors.
OTHER METHODS OF DECEPTION DETECTION

1. Recording of the Psycho-Physiological Response

a. Word Association Test

i. a list of stimulus and non-stimulus words are read to the subject who is instructed
to answer as quickly as possible.
ii. The answer to the questions maybe a “yes” or a “no”.
iii. The time interval between the words uttered by the examiner and the answer of
the subject is recorded.
iv. When the subject is asked questions which has no relation to the subject matter of
the investigation, the tendency is to answer quickly.
v. But when a question has bearing to the subject matter of investigation, the
tendency is to delay the answer.
vi. The important factor is the time of response in relation to stimulus or non-
stimulus words.
vii. The subject cannot be compelled to be subjected to the test without his consent.

b. Psychological Stress Evaluator (PSE)

i. detects measures and graphically displays the voice modulations that we cannot
hear.
ii. When the person is relaxed and responding honestly to the questions, those
inaudible frequencies are registered clearly on the instrument.
iii. But when the person is under stress, as when lying, these frequencies tend to
disappear.

2. Use of Drugs that “Inhibit the Inhibitor”

a. Administration of Truth Serum

i. hyoscine hydrobromide is given hypodermically in repeated doses until a state of
delirium is induced.
ii. When the proper point is reached, the questioning begins and the subject feels a
compulsion to answer the questions truthfully.
iii. He forgets his alibi, which he may even implicate others.
iv. The term “truth Serum” is a misnomer. It does not make someone to tell the
truth.
v. The thing administered is not a serum but actually a drug that acts as a depressant
on the nervous system.
vi. The use of drugs is dangerous and should only be made by a physician who is
experience in using the drug.
vii. Statements obtained from the subject under the influence of Truth Serum are
involuntary. Hence, it is not admissible as evidence in court.

b. Narcoanalysis or Narcosynthesis
i. practically the same as that of administration of truth serum.
ii. Psychiatric sodium amytal or sodium penthotal is administered to the subject.
iii. Must be done by a psychiatrist with a long experience on the line.
iv. The result of the test is not admissible in court.

c. Intoxication with Alcohol

 i. the apparent situational effect of alcohol is really the result of the control
mechanism of the brain.
ii. Therefore, alcohol, like truth serum and narcoanalytic drugs “inhibit the
inhibitor”.
iii. Confessions made by the subject while under the influence of alcohol may be
admissible if he is physically capable to recollect the facts that he has uttered
after the effects of alcohol have disappeared.
3. Hypnosis
a. is the alteration of consciousness and concentration in which the subject manifest a
heightened of suggestibility while awareness is maintained.
b. Not all persons are susceptible to hypnotic induction. Subjects who are compulsive-
depressive type and strong-willed are usually non-hypnotizable.

4. Observation
a. subject under stress on account of the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system may
exhibits changes which may be used as a potential clue of deception.

5. Scientific Interrogation
a. is the questioning of a person suspected of having committed an offense or of persons
who are reluctant to make a full disclosure of information in his possession which is
pertinent to the investigation.
b. Evidence obtained through interrogation is admissible only if a person interrogated
warned and advised that: He has the right to remain silent; Anything he says can be used
against him in court of law; He has the right to consult with an attorney and to have the
attorney present during the questioning; and If he cannot afford an attorney, one will be
appointed for him prior to any questioning if he so desires.