Polygraph
Polygraph
Types of questions
1. Control questions – establish a basline reading. Explain how a polygraph
works, etc.
2. Stim Test – the subject is asked questions and told to lie.
3. Irrelevant – Questions like “what is your name?”
4. Probable lie questions – “have you ever stolen money?” things that people
will probably lie about.
5. Relevant – Questions pertaining to the subject at hand.
The US Supreme court established in 1998 that there is no evidence that polygraphs are
reliable. They have been reported to be from 10% to 90% reliable, with the average
being about 60%.
Polygraphs are generally not admissible in court, as per a SC decision in 1923, but an act
in 1998 gave the choice to individual towns or states.
1 Before this year, did you ever steal anything from someone who trusted you? 1
C5.3.4.1.2. Screening Comparison Question (SCQ). The SCQ question should be
similar in nature or motivation as the primary relevant issue being tested and one to
which the
examinee will lie or be doubtful as to the accuracy of the answer. The SCQ topic should
be
broader in scope and of lesser import than the relevant issue. These questions allow the
examinee
to make a clear dichotomy between the relevant and SCQ as established by a thorough
pretest
explanation. The SCQ is used only for CSP or fall scope polygraph issue examinations.
The
SCQ may be used for both initial and breakdown series. (See figures C5.F6. and C5.F7.)
Figure C5.F6. Sample of a Screening Comparison Question Involving a Cl Topic
During the fight or flight response, i.e., with elevated levels of epinephrine, some of the
normally voluntary striated muscles are involuntary tensed up. This includes many of the
muscles around the laryngeal region. This tensing causes a warble called the Lippold
Tremor, which is usually around 12 Hz. When stressed, the tremor will dip below 12 hZ,
in proportion to the amount of stress. It can only be heard on a recorded tape that is
analyzed.