Polygraphy

Polygraphy

• comes from two Greek words, “poly” and

“graphos” which mean “many writings”.
• is the scientific detection of deception through
the use or aid of a polygraph.
 Polygraph

is an instrument or a device capable of

producing recordings of physiological
phenomena that may be used as the basis of
the application of a reliable technique for
diagnosing truth or deception.
 The Nervous System
serving as the activator of the body system, the nervous system, thru the brain
and all the nerve tissues, receives, evaluates, integrates and stores any
stimulus brought to the body from the environment, and at the same rate, the
system send out messages to the various part and organs for a specific
response.
 Brain
• Central Unit of the
Body.
• Analyse, diagnose,
assess and store
impulses received by
the receptors and sends
out impulses to the
muscles and glands.
 PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

Sensory neuron (Efferent)-A

single nerve cell which transmits
impulses from sensory organs
(receptors) to CNS
Motor neuron (Afferent)- a
single nerve cell which transmits
impulses from the CNS to
muscles (effectors) and glands.
 Somatic Nervous System

• Part of peripheral nervous system which

serves as a Motor innervation of all
skeletal muscles
• Control voluntary actions and reflexes
 Autonomic Nervous System

• Part of the peripheral nervous system which serve as the main effector mechanism which
the polygraph is concerned.
• Their activity is integrated by the hypothalamus.
• Control involuntary functions;
- heartbeat
-blood pressure
-respiration
-perspiration
-digestion
TWO DIVISIONS OF AUTONOMIC:
 Sympathetic

• Fight or flight response

• Release adrenaline and noradrenaline
• Increases heart rate and blood pressure
• Increases blood flow to skeletal muscles
• Inhibits digestive functions
• Rest and digest system
• Calms body to conserve and maintain energy
• Lowers heartbeat, breathing rate, blood pressure
 CIRCULATORY
SYSTEM
IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MOVEMENT
OF THE BLOOD IN THE VEINS AND
ARTERIES THROUGHOUT THE BODY.
 HEART
• It is a hollow muscle located
inside the chest cavity that
pumps blood into the arteries
by contracting and relaxing
process.
• It has 4 chambers or hollow
bags. the upper two chamber
of which are the auricles and
the lower are the ventricles.
 Chambers of the heart
Auricle- receive blood
being returned to the
heart by the veins
Ventricle- receive blood
from the auricles and
pump it out into the
arteries
 Kinds of blood vessels
• ARTERIES – refer to some of the system’s
branching tubes carrying blood from the heart
to all parts of the body.
• CAPILLARIES – tiny blood vessels connecting
the arteries with the veins, on the hand, are
those small branches of veins distributed in the
vascular and muscular parts of our body.
• VEINS- tubular branching vessels that carry
blood from the capillaries toward the heart
 THE HEART ACTION OR THE CARDIAC
CYCLE CONSIST OF:
SYSTOLE – the heart contracts to empty its blood into the
circulation. It is the upsweep tracing in the polygraph chart
DIASTOLE – The heart relaxes to fill with blood returned
by the circulation. It is the down sweep tracing in the chart
DIACROTIC NOTCH- Caused by blood rebounding in the
part which suddenly checked its flow back by the semi-lunar
valves.
In healthy people, blood pressure varies from about 80/45 in
infants, to about 120/80 at age 30, to about 140/85 at age 40
and over.
 THE ACTIVITIES THAT INCREASED
HEATBEATS
• The impulses coming from the
hypothalamus and other brain tissue which
incite the adrenal glands (on the upper part
of the kidneys) to secrete adrenaline to the
blood vessels.
• ADRENALINE OR EPINEPHRINE -is a
type of hormone used to raise blood
pressure
 (AVERAGE) PULSE RATE PER MINUTE

144-133 BEAT PER MINUTE ---AT THE END OF FETAL LIFE

140-123 BEAT PER MINUTE---AT BIRTH AND UP TO 1 YR
96-76 BEAT PER MINUTE---FROM 10-15 YRS OLD
73-69 BEAT PER MINUTE--- FROM 20-25 YRS OLD
ANY INCREASE IN PULSE RATE AFTER AGE OF 25 DEFENDS ON
THE PERSONS PHYSICAL AND CARDIAC CONDITIONS.
Human respiratory
system
is a series of organs responsible for taking in
oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide
 Two major parts
• RESPIRATORY TRACT- which
comprises the nose and mouth,
pharynx, larynx, bronchi and lungs.
• BONY CAGE- which includes the
thoracic vertebrate, the ribs, and the
breast bone or the sternum.
Respiration takes place in the respiratory organs called lungs.
The passage of air into the lungs to supply the body with oxygen is known
as inhalation or inspiration, and the passage of air out of the lungs to expel
carbon dioxide is known as exhalation or expiration.
This process is collectively called breathing or ventilation.
Molecules of oxygen and carbon dioxide are passively exchanged, by diffusion,
between the gaseous external environment and the blood. This exchange
process occurs in the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs.
• For the purpose of the references and chart reading or interpretation, the
following tables serves as the average breathing pattern for;

The newborns 50-70 cycles per min.

Children(1-5 yrs old) 20-30 cycles per min.
Adult( without age consideration)
15-20 cycles per min.
THE SKIN ( OR THE EXCRETORY
SYSTEM)
Galvanic- skin – response/ reflex ( GSR )
• Test record charges in subject’s increase or decrease resistance to a
constant electrical current generated through the Amplifier, recording
Galvanometer and Rectifier of the polygraph.
• Since recording of this response comes from the stimuli causing a change
in sweat glands activity, the theory behind it is that applies the fingers,
hands, and palms, forehead, armpits, anus area and the bottom of the feet
as target areas.
 THEORY AND CONCEPT
A. Psychological Theory of a lie: Emotional
changes occur in a person causing physiological
changes that can be recognized and diagnosed.
B. Psychological Set . . . A person's fears,
anxieties and apprehensions are focused (directed)
to the areas that hold (Poses) the greatest threat to
his well being or self.
C. Psychology of Test Questions The test is
structured so as to pose a threat to the security of
both the innocent and guilty subject and force
him/her to focus (direct) his/her attention to that
specific area of the test.
D. Psychological Test – when the mind registers
only some of the information it is exposed to, it is
engaging in selective attention.
E. Anticlimax Dampening Concept – when two
distinctly separate crimes are included in the same
test, the suspect who is guilty may respond only to
the crime which he/she feels to be the greatest
threat tom his/her well-being.
**Fear is the greatest psychological factor Fear of
being detected of an untruth.
Ancient Methods of Detecting
Deception
 Ordeal

• Is a term of varying meaning closely related in the

Medieval Latin “Dei Indicium” meaning “Miraculous
Decision”
• Ancient method of trial in which the accused was
exposed to physical danger which was supposed to be
harmless if he was innocent
 Red Hot Iron Ordeal
• Practiced in the hill tribe of North Bengal. The accused had to carry a bar
of red hot iron in his hands while he walked nine marked paces. In the
unlikely event of no burns appearing on his hands, he was adjudged
innocent. Otherwise, he was promptly hanged.
 Wager of Battle
• In the wager of battle the judgment of God was thought to determine the
winner and the defeated party was allowed to live as a recreant, that is, on
retracing the perjury that had been sworn.
 Ordeal by Balance
• Practiced in the Institute of Vishnu, India. A Scale of balance is used, in
one end of the scale the accused is placed and in the other end is a counter
balance. The person will step out of the scale and listen to a judge to
deliver an exhortation on the balance and get back in. If he was found
lighter than before, then he should be acquitted
 Boiling water ordeal
• According to the laws of Athelstan, the first king of England, this ordeal
consist of lifting a stone out of boiling water, with the hand inserted as
deep as the wrist.
 Cold water ordeal
• The person allowed the ordeal of cold water, the usual mode of trial for
witchcraft, was flung into the body of water
 Ordeal by Rice Chewing
• It is performed with a kind of rice called sathee, prepared with various
incantations. The person on trial eats the sathee, with the face to the east
and then spits upon a pea leaf. If saliva is mixed with blood or the corner
of his mouth swells or he trembles, he is declared to be a liar.
 Ordeal of the Red Water
• The ordeal of the “sassy bark” or red water is used in the wide region of
eastern Africa. The accused is made to fast for twelve, and then swallows
a small amount of rice. He is then immersed into dark colored after. The
water is actually emetic and if the suspect ejects all the rice, he is
considered innocent of the charge. Otherwise, the accused is guilty.
 Ordeal by Combat
• The aggrieved party claimed the right to fight the alleged offender or to
pay a champion to fight for him.
 Ordeal of the Corsnaed
• (Ordeal by Blessed Bread) A priest puts the corsnaed or hallowed bread
into the mouth of the accused, with various imprecations. If the accused
swallowed it he was freed from punishment.
 Test of the Eucharist
• This was applied chiefly among the clergy and monks. When they took
the host it was believed that God would smite the guilty with sickness or
death. Others believe that if the accused is innocent, when given a
poisonous drink for him to take in, Angel Gabriel will descend from
heaven to prevent the accused from taking in the poisonous drink.
 Ordeal of the Bier
• It was an ancient belief that the accused to approach the bier where the
corpse lay,. In the view of the witness, the wounds of the victim were
observed to see if they began to bleed again. They believe that murderer is
near, which causes the blood to flow out from the wound of the victim.
 Ordeal of the Needle
• A red hot needle was made to pierced the lower lip of the alleged criminal
and if the blood flowed from the wound, he was deemed guilty; but if
none, he is innocent;. Wanaka, Eastern practiced this ordeal.
 Ordeal by Heat and Fire
• The accused walked barefooted over red hot coals, or was made to walk
through fire, if he was unharmed by fire he was considered innocent.
 Trial of the Cross
• The accuser and the accused were placed under the cross with their arms
extended or crosswise and the first to move his hands or suffer them to fall
was held guilty.
 Trial of the Waxen Shirt
• The accused was dressed in cloth covered with wax and walked
barefooted over burning coals. If he was unhurt by the fire and the wax
did not melt, was considered innocent.
 Hereditary Sieve Method
• Which beans were thrown into the sieve as the name of the suspect was
called, if the beans remains in the sieve the person named is a thief.
 Donkey’s Tail Ordeal
• As a psychological theory, a donkey is placed in a room alone and
observed. If the donkey fried a judgement of guilt in crimes, is pressured.
It is believed that deep inside one’s conscience, he is guilty.
 Ordeal of the Tiger
• Practiced in Siam, the accused and accuser are placed inside a cage of a
tiger; if the tiger spare one of them he is innocent.
 Other Countries Practicing Ordeal
• Burma- the ordeal by divination is being practiced in this country, whereby the two contesting parties are furnished with
candles of equal size and lighted simultaneously; the owner of the candle that outlast the other is adjudged to have won
his cause.
• Madagascar- Legal authorities practiced trial by Ordeal. The supposed criminal was made to drink a poisonous fruit
called “tangena”, a small dose can be fatal. By managing the size of the dose, those who administer it can decide result.
• Borneo- the accuser and accused were presented shellfish placed on the plate. An irritating fluid was then poured on the
shellfish and the litigant whose shellfish moved first was the adjudged winner.
• Greece- a suspended axe was spun at the center of a group of suspects.. Soon as the axe stopped, whoever on the line with
the axe’s blade was supposed to be guilty out by the divine providence.
• Nigeria- the priest greased a cock’s feather and pierced the tongue of the accused. If feather passed through the tongue
easily, the accused was deemed innocent. If not, the accused is guilty. Another method practiced in the same country is
pouring the corrosive liquid into the eyes of the of the accused who was supposed to be unharmed if innocent.
Pouring the boiling oil over the hand of the accused with the usual requisites for guilt or innocence is also practiced.
 The observation method through facial
expression:
• Blushing, paling, or profuse sweating of forehead;
• Dilation of the eyes, protrusion of eyeballs, and elevation of upper
eyelids;
• Squinting of the eyes (showing envy, disdain, distrust, etc.)
• Twitching of the lips;
• Excessive winking of the eyes;
• Failure to look the inquirer “straight into the eye”;
• Excessive activity of the Adam’s apple and the vein at the temple due to
dryness of throat and mouth;
• Quivering of nose or nostrils;
• A peculiar monotone of the voice;
• A forced laugh;
• Rolling of eyeballs from one direction to another;
 The observation method through postural
reactions:
• Fidgeting, tapping, or drumming of fingers on the chair or other surfaces;
• Swinging of legs, or of one leg over the other;
• Unnecessary movements of hands and feet (like scratching, nail-biting,
thumb or finger-sucking, etc.)
• Pulsation of the carotid artery in the neck;
• Incoherence, trembling and sweating of the whole body;
 Hypnotism Method
FRANZ (FRIEDRICH) ANTON MESMER (1734-1815), an Austrian Mystic and
Physician.
Actually, these effects he produced were attributed to the state of mind of the
subject whereby he is induced, and thereby instructed to sit quietly and gaze at a
flashing light or shiny object dangled before his eyes, and to cooperate with whatever
the hypnotist would like him to do.
The basis of hypnotism is through the recovered memory by the use of increased
dissociated functions, hyper-amnesia, and at times regressive and para-regressive
experience.
 Word-Association Test Method
Here is another method of deception detection, which was introduced in 1879 by Sir
Francis Galton (1822-1911).
Accordingly, this process is being done by giving the subject a long list of carefully
selected stimulus words or objects with other pictures interspersed with other irrelevant
words, objects or pictures with the instructions to respond with the very first word that may
come to subject’s mind.
The theory behind this method is that, one word or idea is reflective of another word or
idea and the expression of their association forms a meaningful picture.
 Truth-Serum Test
The so-called “Truth-Serum” Test was a method introduced by Dr.
EDWARD MANDEL HOUSE (1858-1938).
This method involved the intravenous injection or oral-taking of various
drugs, such as hyocine bromide, morphine, ether, chloroform, sodium
amytal and scopolamine, which may produce a condition of anaesthesia.
 Accordingly, this method is based on the theory, that intervention
through interrogation, is made possible after the dosage of any of these
drugs has been appropriately administered, which depresses the cerebral
activity to a point of unconsciousness, an influence called as the “House
Receptive Stage” or the “Twilight Zone”.
 Intoxication
This method employs alcoholic beverages as stimuli to obtain truth. The
person or subject whose statement is to be taken is allowed to take alcoholic
beverages to intoxication level or point.
Confession made by a subject while intoxicated is admissible if he is
physically able to recollect the facts and state them truly and exactly, even
after the influence or “spirit of alcohol” has disappeared. But in most
instances, the subject cannot recall his utterances or usually refuses to admit
the truth of the statement given.
 The Polygraph Test Technique
This method is based on 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 will cause physical and physiological changes in the body.
These changes likewise are capable of being recorded in the recording instrument called the
“Polygraph”, “Deceptograph”, or “Pneumo-Galvo-Sphygmo-Cardio-Graph”.
In this method, the subject is comfortably seated on a chair, and then the blood pressure
cuff, the pneumograph tubes and the finger electrodes are attached unto his body.
With the instrument set in motion, bodily changes or responses, such as Respiration,
Blood-Pressure,/ Pulse Rates and the electric properties of the skin or the galvanic-skin-reflex
(GSR) are recorded by the instrument.
 Test questions propounded to the subject are to be formulated by the
examiner, which are relatively important to the case under investigation.
Then afterwards, the chart test result shall be studied, read or interpreted by
the examiner, to determine whether or not his subject lied.
If in case the subject is found to have lied to all, if not some, of the
questions, he has to be confronted.
Should subject be found telling the truth, otherwise,, the examiner must
submit official report to the requesting party.
Kinds of Lies
 White Lie or Benign Lie
This kind of lie, the most common of all, which is intended to protect or
maintain harmony or friendship, at home, in the office or elsewhere.
Example: Peter’s Denial: The distorted formulation of rules and regulations
in some companies in order to protect and secure own products of any
outside competing force.
 Pathological Lie
This is a lie made by a person who cannot distinguish right from wrong.
It must be said that those persons are mentally sick, or of low mental caliber.
In Polygraphy, impairment of the mind must be established first before
conducting any lie-detector test; otherwise the whole test must be useless..
Pathological liars are among those qualified barriers and obstacles to Lie
Detection with the aid of Polygraph.
 Red Lie
This involves political interests and motives because it is a part of
Communist propaganda strategy. This lie is prevalent to Communist
countries or communist-infested nations. Lies of this sort purport to destroy
other ideologies by means of propaganda-brain-washing and black-mail via
espionage and treason.
 Black Lie
A lie which accompanies pretensions and hypocrisies, intriguing can
cause dishonour or discredit one’s good image.
Example: A person who pretends what he thinks of himself, what kind of
person he is, and what he is doing.
 Malicious or Judicious Lie
This is very pure and unjustifiable kind of lie. This is intended purely to
mislead justice. The probable result would be “perjury” and pure dishonesty
to obstruct justice. Some liar lawyers and false witnesses fall under this
category.
Types of Lie
 Direct Denial
This is the direct denial of the act in question that creates an emotional
sense of disturbance. This disturbance refers to the conflict between what is
true and the attempted deception that creates an internal battle in the mind.
Example: “I did not do it.” The vague response permits the person to evade
inner conflict while seeming to answer the question. The reply given to a
query must be evaluated in terms of what was asked to know if the answer is
proper.
 Lie of Omission
This is a type of lie that people usually used because it is simple to tell.
Individuals who will make use of this type of lie will tell the truth while
omitting details that could create possible troubles.
 Lie of Fabrication
This is the most difficult type of lie that a subject could use in an
interview.
 Lie of Minimization
In this type of lie, individual will accept that something has occurred but
downplays the implications. Lie of minimization could be used if a subject
wanted to be close to the truth; however, he covers the truth for his or her
own benefit.
Example: Mr. X is complaining because Mr. B boxed him and as a result, the
nose of Mr. X is broken. If Mr. B uses the lie of minimization, he will state
that he only slapped Mr. X.
 Lie of Exaggeration
This is a lie often used to exaggerate things for the hope of obtaining
some advantage. This is also found often in resume, where applicants
exaggerate his or her experiences, knowledge, skills, salary and length of
service. The exaggerated claims can be verified by looking for
inconsistencies of the subject’s theory.
Types of Liar
 Panic Liar
• It is one who lies in order to avoid the consequences of a confession.
• He/She is afraid of embarrassment to love ones and it is a serious blow to
his/her ego.
• He/She believes that confession will just make the matter worst.
 Occupational Liar
• Someone laid for years.
• This person is a practical liar and lies when it has a higher “pay-off” than
telling the truth.
 Tournament Liar
• Loves to lie and is excited by the challenge of not being detected.
• This person views an interview as another contest and wants to win.
• This person realizes that he or she will probably be convicted but will not
give anyone the satisfaction of hearing him or her confesses.
• He wants that people will believe that the law is punishing an innocent
person.
 Psychopathic Liar
• The most difficult liar.
• This person has no conscience. He shows no regret for dishonesty and no
manifestation of guilt.
 Ethnological Liar
• One who is taught not to be a squealer.
* squealer– to cry or shrill voice.
• Used by underworld gang in order for their member not to reveal any
secret of their organization.
 Pathological Liar
• A person who cannot distinguish right from wrong.
• Is an insane person.
 Black Liar
• A person who always pretends.
(What he thinks of himself, what king of person he is, and what he is.)
 The instrument
• The instrument used in Polygraph examination is often called as polygraph
• It was defined as an instrument or device capable of producing recordings of
physiological phenomena that may be used as the basis for the application of
reliable technique for diagnosing truth or deception.
• The instrument itself does not detect lies or deception; it only records the
physiological changes that occur when the subject tells a lie or deception.
• It is the examiner who determines deception through the use or aid of the
polygraph instrument.
Major parts of the Polygraph
Machine
 The pneumograph component
• – it records the changes of breathing of the subject it consists of
transducers and pneumograph tubes which are fastened around the
subject’s abdominal and thoracic part of the body.
1. The pneumographic tube
2. The beaded chain
 The Cardiograph Component
• it records the changes in the circulatory system such as blood pressure and
pulse rate.
1. The arm cuff
2. The hand pump bulb
3. The aneroid blood pressure meter guage
 The galvanograph
• records the skin resistance of the subject to a very small amount of
electricity. The GSR comprise of finger or palm electrodes that is
attached on the subject’s finger.
• 1. The finger electrodes
 Kymograph
• These motors pulls or drive the chart paper under the recording pen at the
same time at the rate 6 to 12 inches per minute. Referred as the chart drive
module.
The Simultaneous Operations
 Chart Markings
• X
Indicates the beginning or the start of the test. Indicates the end or ending of the test.
Inform the subject that the test is about to
begin.
It is placed on the chart below the cardio-
tracing.
Wait for 15-20 or 35 seconds before asking
the first question in order to record the
normal pattern of the subject.
• XX
Mark XX below the cardio-tracing
Inform the subject that the test is about to end
by giving the instruction to sit properly, the
test is about to end, the blood pressure cuff
will be released in a moment and deactivate
the instrument after 10 seconds without
stimulus insertion.
/, // Question Numbering
When a question is asked, a stimulus mark Extreme care should be taken to ensure that
or a vertical line is placed on the chart the correct question number is used to
below the cardio-tracing. identify the question asked and to prevent
The single stimulus mark or the vertical line misinterpretation of the test charts.
indicates the beginning of the question and The numbering of question on the chart can
double stimulus mark or the vertical line be done between the stimulus mark, either
indicates the ending of the question. below or to the right of the stimulus
marking.
• +,- and no sign
Plus sign(+) for indicates that the subject answer the question with “yes”,
Minus sign (-) indicates that the subject answer with “no”. No sign should
be placed when the subject fails to answer the question being asked or when
“Silent Answer Test” is conducted.
Signs are placed below or at the right side of the number of the question.
Chart Interpretation
 Change in Rhythm or Regularity
• The rate of normal breathing is 18 cycle per minute. Usually a change in
rate will be either a decrease with increase amplitude causing an
irregularity in respiration pattern of varying duration.
 Change in Amplitude or Volume
• In what is known as a sigh there is an increase in the residual volume
causing the recorded inspiration stroke to go higher and the expiration
stroke lower than the normal
 Change in Inspiration and Expiration
Rate
• In normal respiration, the time consumed in inspiration and expiration has a ratio
of three to five which means the inspiration takes only 3/5 as long as the
expiration.
• Researcher especially Benussi and Burt established that this change with emotion,
the simplest method for determining such changes is the vertical line through the
apex of the pneumo cycle before and after question stimuli and then measure the
distance between the vertical lines.
• Actual measurements may not necessary, however, as the changes are usually
rendered discernible by the drawing of the line
 Notch or Serrated Inspiration or Expiration
Stroke
• Serration may record in the case of the subject in an intense nervous state
as a result of tremendous breathing
• A notch on either stroke may indicate catching of the breath when
surprised or shocked, talking, coughing crying, swallowing may affect the
tracing.
• The customary Yes or No answer may be rendered as a small notch in the
expiration, seldom in the inspiration stroke for the reason that we do not
normally speak during inspiration
 Hyperventilation
• The subject usually attempt to be fuddle the examiner from making an
interpretation from the pnuemo pattern, he resorts to regular deep
breathing in an attempt to beat the test.
• It may be caused by prolonged suppression of the breathing such that the
deficit oxygen has to be compensated when the danger has passed
 Suppression
• May a sort of bracing against anticipated shock on an attempt to control
the reaction to a shock just received.
 Respiratory Block
• It is an exaggerated from of suppression in which there is a usual
shortening of both the inspiration and expiration stroke that appears as
straight line.
Vertical Rise at Point of deception
Double Saddle Response
Long Duration and or Degree of Response
Following point of Deception
Plunging of Galvo Tracing
 Increase or Decrease of Blood Pressure
• Is indicated by the rise and fall in cardio tracing
 Increase or Decrease of Pulse Rate
• Increase in pulse rate is easily recognized as the cardio pattern becomes
close together and with a decrease in pulse rate result the cardio pattern
becomes far apart
 Increase or Decrease of Amplitude
• When the cardio pattern is elevated, there is an increase in amplitude; a
decrease in height in the pattern is a decrease of amplitude
 Change in Position or Disappearance of
Diacrotic Notch
• Too much air will have the notch at the bottom, and too little air will place
it at the top of the diastolic stroke during rise in blood pressure.
• The diacritic notch tends to go the top of the diastolic and upon return of
the tracing to its position at times it disappeared completely.
 Extra Systole
• The early contaction of an auricle while the fundamental rhythm of the
heart is maintained causes extra systole to appear.
 Examination Room
• Polygraph test should be performed in a quiet, private, 90% soundproof
room
• No decoration, pictures or other objects that would distract the attention of
the person being examined,
• There should be an “observation room” adjoining the examination room,
in the wall of which there is an inserted “one-way mirror” and a concealed
microphone
 PHASE I- Initial Interview with the
Investigator handling the Case.

• This phase includes:

• Obtaining of the sworn statement of the suspect/witness/victims or complaint
• Specific article and exact amount of money stolen
• Facts indicating any connection between the suspects, victim and witnesses
• Exact type of weapon, tool or firearms used
• Result of the laboratory test
 Pre-test Interview with the Subject
• This includes:
• The appraisal of subject’s constitutional right
• Obtain subject’s consent to undergo polygraph test by signing a statement of consent
• The taking of the personal data of the subject
• Determining his/her suitability as a subject
• Informing the subject of his involvement with case
• Evaluating the psychological preparation of the subject
 PHASE III- The Conduct of Instrumentation
or Actual Test.
• After the pre-test interview the examiner should proceed to place the attachment of polygraph
components on the subject.
• The synchronous motor carrying the paper upon which the blood pressure pulse respirations recording
are made is then set in motion, the motor being so timid that the paper moves along at the rate of six
inches per minute, then fifteen seconds after the instrument has been set in motion, the inked filled
pens of the instrument are permitted to make their blood pressure pulse respiration tracings
before the question are asked of the subject
• During the test, the subject is informed that he will be asked several questions which should be
answered by either yes or no
• Approximately five to ten seconds after this instruction first question is asked and the other questions
follows after or at the interval of fithteen or twenty seconds
PHASE IV- Post-Test Interview/Interrogation

• The examiner will then proceed to conduct short interrogation.

• Done just after the instrument is turned off
• Conducted if the polygraph test result indicates deception.
• Its purpose is to obtain confession
 Types of Questions
• Relevant question – these are direct question having an extreme and specific relationship
to the crime or matter under investigation and these are primary or key question ask by the
examiner in order to solve a specific issue. Relevant question is classified into two:
• 1. Strong Relevant or Primary or Crucial Question- these questions are intended and created to test
for direct participation only and specifically designed to produce an emotional response in guilty subject.
• 2. Weak Relevant or Secondary Question – these are questions concern in several secondary aspects of
the crime or problem and often deal with guilty knowledge and partial involvement.
• Irrelevant question – these are questions devised without definite relationship with the
case under investigation.
• Evidence Connecting Question – this is intended to arouse the guilty
subject and focus his attention on the probability of incriminating proof
that would tend to establish his guilt.
• Knowledge question - this question is intended to discover whether the
subject possesses information regarding the identity of the offender, or as
to the location of the evidence.
• Sacrifice or DYAT Question – this is intended to obtain responses usually
produced by the introduction of the first relevant question in the sequence.
• Control Question (Probable Lie) – this is question intended to generate a
response in an innocent subject and provide the basis for assessing the
subjects perpetual set. Control question is classified into two:
*Primary Control Question- It must concern about actions that transpired within 3 to
5 years time prior to case under investigation occurred. The question is based on known
lie
*Secondary Control Question – is more precise in nature and is based on another
experience or unlawful activity, which will improve the chance for responsiveness.
• Symptomatic Question – these questions are intended to identify and
assess the occurrence of outside issues that might restrain subject’s
responses to the relevant question.
• SKY Question – these are three groups of question place as one by
Backster and they are intended to verify the previous charts and detect
indirect participation or guilty knowledge.
 Card or Number Test (Stimulation or
Verification Test)
• Upon finishing of the first test, here is another part of the test, the examiner will show to the
subject seven (7) variously numbered cards, face down. The cards are set in such a way the
examiner will right away know which card has been chosen by the subject. The numbers 7, 11,
and 13 should not be used because other subjects are too superstitious and numbers 6 and 9
should not be included to avoid confusion on the part of the subject. The cards with numbers 15,
8, 5, 3, 4, 14 and 12 are used.
• The subject is given an instruction to get a card, look at it and memorize the number of the
card that was chosen and return it without showing it to the examiner or telling the number. After
the selection is finished, the examiner shuffles the cards and will instruct the subject to answer
“no” to each question regarding the cards, even if the number of the card he has chosen is asked.
In short one of the subject’s answers to the questions will be a lie.
 Silent Answer Test (SAT)

• In this test 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. The subject is instructed to pay
attention to each question and answer the question only to
himself, silently. Its purpose is to determine the tracing
when there is no verbal response causes distortion
 Peak of Tension test

• The questions formulated are similar in nature

and construction, only one of which is true and
the perpetrator who would naturally be in
possession of such unpublicized knowledge will
usually exhibit a rise in the tracing.
 Guilt Complex Test
• This test is applied when the response to relevant and control questions which
are similar in degree.
• The subject asked a new series of relevant questions dealing with a real
incident and that which the subject could not have committed
• If the subject does not respond to the added relevant questions, it indicates that
the subject was being deceptive as to the primary issue under investigation
• However, no conclusion can be drawn if the response to added guilt complex is
similar to the real issue questions
• Is Polygraph Examination Result
admissible in court?
• Why is polygraph Examination a self
incriminating?