LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES ➔ It relies on the belief that a person is

declared guilty or not through a “Divine

ANCIENT METHODS OF DETECTING Providence”
DECEPTION
EARLY METHODS OF LIE DETECTION
What is ORDEAL? Ayur Veda
● A severe test of character or endurance; ● a hindu book of science and health
a trying course of experience, A around 500B.C. Considered as the
medieval form of judicial trial in which earliest known reference to a method of
the accused was subjected to physical detecting deception.
tests, such as carrying or walking over
burning objects or immersing the hand
in scalding water, the result being
considered a divine judgment of guilt or
innocence.
● It is also a term of varying meaning
closely related in the Medieval Latin
“Dei Indicum” meaning “Miraculous Red hot iron ordeal
decision.” Ordeal is also an ancient ● Practiced on the hill tribe of Rajhmal in
method of trial in which the accused was North Bengal; Accused placed his
exposed to physical danger which was tongue to a red hot iron nine times (9)
supposed to be harmless if he was unless burned sooner; If burned, he
innocent. is put to death. Not only that (licking
the iron), he is also made to carry the
EARLY METHODS OF LIE DETECTION metal into his hands. It is doubtful
whether the ordeal is meant to
Trial by Ordeal - It is a judicial practice by determine the physiological changes
which the guilt or innocence of the accused is occurring in description for if this so,
determined by subjecting them to an many false observations must have
unpleasant, usually dangerous experience or in been made.
the present term would mean an employment
of “3rd degree”.
● “Third degree” is a euphemism for
torture (inflicting of pain, physical or
mental, to extract confessions or
statements).

Trial by Ordeal
NOTE : The word “Ordeal” was derived from
the Medieval Latin word “Dei Indicum”
which means “a miraculous decision”.
➔ If the wound or injury made by such an Ordeal by balance
ordeal heals, a person is considered ● Practiced in the Institute of Vishnu,
innocent, otherwise, the accused is said India; Scale of balanced is used; In one
to be guilty. end of the scale, the accused is placed
 in the other end, a counter balance; The Ordeal by rice chewing
person will step out of the scale and ● Practiced by Indians; It is formed with a
listen to a judge deliver an extortion is kind of rice called sathee, prepared with
the balance and her back in. If he were various incantations; The person on
found to be lighter than before then he trial eats, with his face to the and
should be acquitted. then spits upon an eyeful leaf; If the
saliva is mixed with blood or the
corner of his mouth swell or he
trembles, he is declared then a liar.

Ordeal of the red water

● Used in a wide region of Eastern Africa;
Boiling water ordeal
The ordeal of the “sassy bark” or red
● Used in Africa; the method was that the
water is used; The accused is made to
subject would plunge their right arms
fast for twelve hours; The swallow a
into the boiling pot to the elbow and step
small amount of rice; Then he will be
into the other side of the fire. All are told
imbibed in dark colored water. This
to undergo the test without a murmur.
water is actually an emetic and if the
And when all are finished, they are told
suspects ejects all the rice, he is
to return at the same tine the next
considered innocent of the charge,
afternoon. The one who by that time had
Otherwise, the accused is guilty.
lost some or showed blisters would
prove the thief (Point out who is the one
who steal among his tribe mates)
Combination of Drinks and Food Ordeal Ordeal by heat and fire
● The accused first fasted for 12 hours ● The accused was compelled to walk
and the given small amount of rice to barefoot through a fire; if he remains
ear followed by a large amount of black unhurt then he is innocent. Practiced in
colored water. If the concoction was East Germany, Early Scandinavian
vomited, the accused was pronounced Countries and early England.
innocent; Otherwise, guilty. And
practiced by “WestAfrican Regions”.

Trial by Combat
● A fight between the accuser and the
accused, whoever lost the battle will be
judged guilty. Originated from India and
one of the examples of this: a rich man
or accuser could hire somebody or Ordeal of Red hot Needle
bigger one to fight the accused. After ● Red hot needle was drawn through the
the fight the loser is judged guilty of lips of the accused, if innocent; no blood
crime. will be seen flowing out. Practiced in
Wanaka, EastAfrica.

Ordeal of the Tiger

● Accuser and accused were placed
together in the same and a tiger set
loose upon them. If both were spared,
further elimination followed. Practical in
Siam.

Trial by Torture
● The accused was put into a severe
physical test.

Drinking Ordeal
● The accused was given a decoration to
drink by a priest – if innocent; no harm
befalls him, but if guilty, will die.
Practiced in Nigeria and India.

Trial of the Eucharist

● This trial is reserved for the clergy, and
administered with pomp and ceremony.
If the accused was guilty, the Angel
Gabriel will descend from heaven and
prevent the accused from swallowing
the food given to him. Practiced in
European countries.
Test of the Cross ordeal
● The accuser and accused each were
made to stand with arms crossed on
their breasts. The one who endured
the longest was deemed to have told
the truth, the other, is the liar.
Practiced in Europe.

The “Hereditary Sieve”

Dr. Hans Gross mentioned this Ordeal in his
famous book on Criminal Investigation in which
Donkey’s Tail Ordeal beans were thrown into a sieve as the name of
● Psychological theory, the donkey is each suspect was called. The deception
placed in one room alone and observes criteria were described as follows--- “If the
it, and if the donkey cried is judged bean jumps out of the sieve, the owner of
guilty of crimes, because deep inside the name pronounced is innocent, if the
and conscience he is guilty. bean remains in the sieve, the person named
is the thief.

KNOWN METHODS OF DECEPTION

Ordeal of the Bier DETECTION
● It was an ancient belief that the slain ● Ancient methods
dead could point out their killer. In ● Observation methods
England, it was customary for the ● Hypnotism
accused to approach the bier where the ● Brain Wave Fingerprinting
corpse lay. In the view of the witness,
the wounds of the victim were USE OF DRUGS THAT TRY TO INHIBIT THE
observed to see if they began to INHIBITOR
bleed again. They believe that when ● Administration of truth serum
the murderer is near, he will cause ● Narcoanalysis or narcosynthesis
the blood to flow out from the wound ● Intoxication
of the victim.
DEVICES WHICH RECORD THE 2. Psychophysiological detection of
PSYCHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE deception (PDD)
● Word association test 3. Psychophysiological credibility
● psychological Stress Evaluation assessment (PCA)
● Polygraph test technique

Polygraph - is an instrument or device

capable of recording changes in blood
pressure, pulse, respiration and skin
resistance in the physiological phenomena
that may be used as bases for the application
of a reliable technique of diagnosing the truth
of deception.
- It was derived from the two Greek
HYPNOTISM
words poly which means “many or
● Introduced by FRANZ ANTON
having several” and graph which
MEZMER as a method of detecting
means “writings.” Hence, literally,
deception in 1778.
polygraph means many writings.
● It is the alteration of consciousness and
concentration in which the subject
Polygraphy - (sometimes called scientific
manifests a heightened suggestibility
truth verification) refers to the scientific
while awareness is maintained. Not
method of detecting deception with the use of
all persons are susceptible to
the polygraph.
hypnotic induction.
- It is administered by a trained
polygraphist, lie detector specialist
(LDS), forensic psychophysiologist
(FP) or polygraph examiner (PE) by
asking questions to the subject relevant
to the case under investigation.
- The polygraph is commonly called a lie
detector; polygraph machine,
deceptograph and truth verifier.

Forensic lie detection is better known in the

academe as FORENSIC
BRAIN WAVE FINGERPRINTING
PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY. The most popular
The basic principle is that different
field of forensic psychophysiology is the
regions of the brain light up when a person
polygraph method.
tells the truth or lie, and further, that different
regions are activated depending upon the type
In advanced countries, the following are
of lie. However, research conducted looks at a
preferred descriptions of lie detection through
specific type of electrical brain wave, called
polygraph examination.
P300, which activates when a person sees a
1. Psychophysiological veracity
familiar object.
examination (PVE)
Inventor – LAWRENCE FARWELL
 ● Like the administration of truth serum,
the result of the test is not admissible
in court.

ADMINISTRATION OF TRUTH SERUM

● The term "truth serum" is a misnomer.
The procedure does not make someone
tell the truth and the thing administered INTOXICATION WITH ALCOHOL
is not a serum but is actually a drug. In ● The apparent stimulation effect of
the test, hyoscine hydrobromide is alcohol is really the result of the control
given hypodermically in repeated mechanism of the brain, so alcohol, like
doses until a state of delirium is truth serum, and narcoanalytic drugs
induced. When the proper point is “inhibit the inhibitor”.
reached, the questioning begins and ● The ability of alcohol to reveal the real
the subject feels a compulsion to person behind the mad which all of us
answer the questions truthfully. are said to wear (“mask of sanity”) is
● The drug acts as a depressant on the reflected in the age-old maxim, “In
nervous system. Statements taken vino veritas” (“In wine there is
from the subject while under the truth”)
influence of truth serum are
evolutionarily obtained hence they WORD ASSOCIATION TESTS
are not admissible as evidence. ● Here is another method of deception
detection which was introduced in 1879
by SIR FRANCIS GALTON.
● A list of stimulus and non-stimulus
words are read to the subject who is
instructed to answer as quickly as
possible. The answers to the questions
may be a "yes" or a "no". Unlike the lie
detector, the time interval between the
NARCOANALYSIS OR NARCOSYNTHESIS words uttered by the examiner and the
● This method of deception detection is answer of the subject is recorded.
practically the same as that of ● When the subject is asked questions
administration of truth serum. The only with reference to his name, address,
difference is the drug used. civil status, nationality, etc. which has no
● Psychiatric sodium amytal or sodium relation to the subject-matter of the
pentothal is administered to the investigation, the tendency is to answer
subject. When the effects appear, quickly. But when questions bear some
questioning starts. words which have to do with the criminal
 act the subject allegedly committed, like TERMINOLOGIES
knife, gun or hammer which was used in ➢ DECEPTION – It is an act of deceiving
the killing, the tendency is to delay the or misleading usually accomplished by
answer. lying.
● • The test is not concerned with the ➢ LYING – It is the uttering or conveying of
answer, be it a "yes" or "no". The falsehood or creating false impressions
important factor) is the time of with the intention of affecting the acts
response in relation to stimulus or or opinions of others.
non-stimulus words. ➢ DETECTION – The act of discovering
the existence or presence of fact of
USE OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS something hidden or obscure.
EVALUATOR (PSE) ➢ EMOTION – is a complex state of
When a person speaks, there are feeling involving conscious experience,
audible voice frequencies, and superimposed internal and external physical
on these are the inaudible frequency responses, and power to motivate the
modulations which are products of minute organism to action.
oscillation of the muscle of the voice ➢ FEAR – The emotional responses to
mechanism. specific dangers that appear to be
The psychological stress evaluator potentially beyond a person‘s defensive
(PSE) detects, measures, and graphically power. The lying person fears detection
displays the voice modulations that we of the lie causing psychological changes
cannot hear. that can be recorded with the use of a
When a person is relaxed and Polygraph machine.
responding honestly to the question, those ➢ SUBJECT – Refers to any person
inaudible frequencies are registered clearly on undergoing polygraph examination
the instrument. But when a person is under ➢ POLYGRAPH EXAMINER/
stress, as when he is lying, these POLYGRAPHIST or
frequencies tend to disappear. EXPERT/EXAMINER – is the one
conducting the test or examination
➢ POLYGRAPH TEST OR POLYGRAPH
EXAMINATION – is the whole process
of the questioning or the taking of one
chart from a series of questions or all of
the charts and questions sheets used in
the test.
➢ POLYGRAPH CHART/POLYGRAMS
OR CHART/GRAPH – refers to the
recorded tracings of all the emotional
patterns permanently on the charts or
graphs from series or questions.
TYPES OF LIE ❖ Pathological Lie - this is a lie made by
❖ Lie of Fabrication – is something made persons who cannot distinguish right
up of a misrepresentation of a truth. It from wrong.
is often used by the subject in an ❖ Black Lie - a lie accompanies
interview. pretensions and hypocrisies, intriguing
❖ Lie of Omission – a lie used by to cause dishonor or discredit one's
omitting an important fact, good image.
deliberately leaving another person ❖ Bald-Faced lie - A bald-faced ( or
with a misconception. For example, barefaced) lie is a lie that is told when
when the seller of a car declares it has it is obvious to all concerned that is it
been serviced regularly, but does not a lie.
mention that a fault was reported during ❖ Lie-to-children -A lie-to-children is a lie,
the last service, the seller lies by using euphemism, that is told to make
omission an adult subject acceptable to
❖ Noble Lie – is one that would normally children.
discord if uncovered but offers some ❖ EMERGENCY LIE - An emergency lie is
benefit to the liar and assists in an a strategic lie told when the truth may
orderly society therefore potentially not be told because, for example, harm
beneficial to others. to a third party would come of it.
❖ Puffery or promotion Lie – is an ❖ PERJURY - It is the act of lying or
exaggerated claim typically found in making verifiably false statements on
advertising and publicity a material matter under oath or
announcements. For example, “the affirmation in a court of law or in any of
highest quality at the lowest price.” Such various sworn statements in writing.
a statement is unlikely to be true but ❖ BLUFFING - Pretending to have
cannot be proven false and so do not capability or intention one doesn’t.
violate trade laws. Bluffing is an act of deception that is
❖ Lie of Compliment or False not usually seen as immoral because
Reassurance – a lie intended to please it takes place in the context of a
others. For example, “that looks good game where this kind of deception is
to you” or “everything is going to be consented to in advance by the players.
alright.” ❖ EXAGGERATION - An exaggeration
❖ White Lie or Benign Lie – a lie that occurs when the most fundamental
would cause only relatively minor aspect of a statement is true, but the
discord if it were uncovered and typically degree to which it is true is not
offers some benefit to the hearer. It is correct.
often used to maintain harmony of ❖ JOCOSE LIE - Are lies that are meant
friendship in the home or in the office. in jest and are usually understood as
❖ Red Lie – a lie used to destroy the such by all present parties.
ideologies by means of propaganda
which is common in communist
countries.
❖ Malicious or Judicial Lie – a lie usually
used to mislead or a dishonesty
intended to obstruct justice.
TYPES OF LIARS ● The effectiveness of the polygraph in
➢ Panic Liars - one who lies in order to recording symptoms of deceptions is
avoid the consequences of a based on the theory that a conscious
confession, He/She is afraid of mental effort on the part of a normal
embarrassment to loved ones and it is a person to deceive causes involuntary
serious blow to his / her ego, He/She physiological changes that are in
believes that confession will just effect a body’s reaction to an imminent
make the matter worse. danger to its well being.
➢ Occupational Liars - Is someone laid
for spare years, this person is a PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY OF LYING
practical liar and lies when it has a ● PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY – Effect of the
higher “pay off” than telling the truth. human mind to the body due to the
➢ Tournament Liars - Loves to lie and is application of stimulus.
excited by the challenge of not being ● STIMULUS – refers to the motion or
detected, this person views an interview force reaching an organism and
as another contest and wants to win. excites the receptors. It is a force that
➢ Psychopathic Liars - the most produces the organism or any of its
difficult type, this person has no parts to activity.
conscience. He shows no regret for ● RESPONSE – refers to any inhibition
dishonestly and no manifestation of or activity of previous motion of an
guilt, organism or of effector organ or part of
➢ Ethnological Liars - is one who is the organism resulting from simulation
taught not to be a squealer, *squealer or suggestion.
– to cry or to shrill voice, used by
underworld gangs in order for their CONCEPT OF DETECTING LIES
members not to reveal any secret of A conscious mental effort of a mentally
their organization. normal person lies causes physiological
➢ Pathological Liars - A person who changes within his body. The physiological
cannot distinguish right from wrong changes could be recorded by the Polygraph
(his mind is sick.), Is an insane person. Instrument and diagnosed or evaluated by the
➢ Black Liars - A person who always polygraph examiner.
pretends, (What he thinks of himself,
what kind of person he is, and what
he is.)

WHAT ARE THE CONCEPTS OF

POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION?
● Used to test an individual for the
purpose of detecting deception or verify
the truth of statement
● Records identifiable physiological
reactions of the subject, such as; blood
pressure, pulse rate, respiration and
skin resistance.
 ● The physiological effector Fight, flight, freeze - are the three stereotypic
mechanism in polygraph examination is behavioral responses to threat, sometimes
the Autonomic Nervous System. simply called F3.
● The autonomic nervous is the one ➔ The physiological responses
responsible for regulating the concomitant to these behaviors are the
mechanism that corrects the same, namely mobilizing bodily
slightest deviation from a particular resources for an expenditure of energy,
standard within very fine limits. and narrowing attention and focus to the
● Those that we cannot control features of the threat.
consciously such as our heart beat, ➔ When the sympathetic nervous system
pulse rate, increase and decrease in is activated, it immediately prepares the
blood pressure and the expansion body for fight or flight by causing the
and constriction of arteries are adrenal glands to secrete hormones
governed by the autonomic nervous known as epinephrine and
system. norepinephrine and the blood will be
distributed to those areas of the body
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF POLYGRAPH where it is most needed to meet the
Two Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous emergency.
System:
1. Parasympathetic Nervous System
(PNS)
- the housekeeping or braking
system. It is responsible for
conserving energy and making
sure necessary bodily functions;
- restrains sympathetic arousal and
attempts to maintain homeostatic
(homeostasis) normal.
2. Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)
- is our emergency, or action
system; TRIPOD FOUNDATION OF POLYGRAPHY
- a system which causes sudden 1. PSYCHOLOGICAL LEG PREMISE -
and dramatic change. states that specific nervous system
- prepares the body for the fight or component whose stimulation can thus
flight be diagnosed are so stimulated by the
involuntary and emotional processes
of the individual who is continuously
attempting concealment of
deception- states that when someone
is trying to hide the truth, their nervous
system reacts in a way that can be
detected.
 2. PHYSIOLOGICAL LEG PREMISE - that f. Over-anxiety regarding serious
among the physiological responses personal problems unrelated to
that may be recorded are those that the offense under investigation.
automatically occur only following g. Previous extensive interrogation,
the stimulation of specific nervous physical abuse.
component system h. A guilt complex or fear of
detection regarding some other
3. MECHANICAL LEG PREMISE - offense which he had committed.
polygraph is capable of making 2. Physiological abnormalities such as:
graphic records containing reliable a. Excessively high or excessive
information regarding physiological low blood pressure.
responses of the subject. b. Diseases of the heart.
c. Respiratory disorder.
Accuracy of Polygraph Results 3. Mental Abnormalities
The accuracy of the polygraph results 4. Unresponsiveness in a lying or guilty
ranges from 85% to 100% depending subject
upon the factors that affect it. 5. Attempt to “beat the machine” by
controlled breathing or by muscular
Factors that Affect the Accuracy of the flexing
Polygraph Results 6. Unobserved application of muscular
a. The instrument. pressure which produces ambiguities
b. The condition of the subject. and misleading indications in the blood
c. The condition of the examination pressure tracing.
room.
d. The qualification and skills of the Objectives of Polygraph Examination
examiner. ● The ultimate objective of Polygraph
Examination is to obtain the Subject’s
Specifically, the 25% errors of lie detection test “ADMISSION or CONFESSION” of the
come from the following circumstances: offense committed.
1. Nervousness or extreme emotional
tension experienced by a subject who is COMPONENTS OF POLYGRAPH
telling the truth regarding the offense in
question but who is nevertheless I. PNEUMOGRAPH
affected by: -designed to detect and record
a. mere fact that suspicion or changes in respiration of the
accusation has been directed subject which consists of the
against him. following:
b. inaccurate lie detector test result. a. Rubber Convoluted Tube - about 10
c. Over-anxiety to cooperate in inches corrugated rubber attached to
order to assure an accurate test the body of the subject;
result. b. Beaded Chain - used to lock the rubber
d. possible physical hurt from the convoluted tube;
instrument.
e. Anger resentment over having to
take a lie detector test.
 f. Vent - used to release excess pressure
from the system;

g. Pneumo Module - located inside the

c. Recording Pen Unit - consisting of two instrument that receives the reactions
5 inches recording pen; detected by the corrugated tube and
moves the pen to record the reactions
on the chart

d. Centering Knob - used to center the

pen;

II. CARDIOSPHYGMOGRAPH
- Designed to detect changes in
the cardiovascular activity of
the subject. It consists of the ff:
a. Blood Pressure Cuff - attached to the
upper right arm of the subject, above
the brachial artery;
e. Sensitivity Knob - used to adjust the
desired size of tracings;
b. Sphygmomanometer - used to Cardiosphygmograph provides a record of
indicate the amount of air pressure the following:
inflated to the system. Usually about 60 1. Relative Blood Volume/ Pressure - is
mm of mercury for male subjects; the changes in the average value of the
c. Recording Pen Unit - five (5) inches cardiac tracing (waveform) with respect
length; to a baseline.

a. Diastolic Blood Pressure - refers to

d. Air Pump/Pump Bulb - designed to the downward blood pressure
supply air to the system; representing the low pressure to the
closing of the valves and heart relaxed;
b. Systolic Blood Pressure - the upward
blood pressure as the apex of the curve
caused by the contraction of the heart,
valves are open and blood is rushing
into the arteries;
c. Dicrotic Notch
- changes in relative position of the
dicrotic notch or pulse waveform;
e. Cardio Module - located inside the - short horizontal notch in a
instrument that receives the reactions cardio-tracing located at the
detected by the cuff and moves the middle of the diastolic stem.
pen to record the reactions on the
chart;
III. GALVANOGRAPH d. GSR Module - located inside the
- designed to detect changes in instrument that receives the
skin resistance of the subject. reactions detected by the finger
Consists of: electrodes and moves the pen to
a. Finger Electrode Assembly consists record the reactions on the chart
of :
1. Finger Electrode Plate and
Retainer Bond - attached to the
index and ring finger of the
subject;
2. Connecting Plug - attached the
system to the instrument;
How does GSR record?
➔ Galvanic Skin Response - is the
change in the body’s resistance to the
passage of a minute electrical sensing
current;
➔ The electrodes electrically connect the
subject to the instrument. These provide
a 5 microamp sensing current to the
subject, far below the threshold of
feeling.

ADDITIONAL:

b. Recording Pen Unit - usually 7 inches; KYMOGRAPH

- Serves as the paper feed mechanism
of the polygraph machine;
- It is a motor that pulls or drives the
chart paper under the recording pen
simultaneously at the rate of five
seconds per vertical chart division or
twelve divisions in one minute run.
c. Amplifier Unit - designed to support the a. Cutter Bar - used to cut the paper at
galvanometer in converting electrical the end of the test;
to mechanical current;
b. Rubber Roller - the one responsible for e. Synchronous Motor - runs the chart
pulling the paper out of the machine; paper at the uniform rate speed
regardless of the voltage change.
f. Polygraph Chart - approximately 100ft.
Rolled graph paper with approximately
¼ inch horizontal division and ½ inch
vertical division equivalent to 5
seconds run;
g. Pen and Inking System - the one that
provides for the permanent record of
the test;
h. Capillary Ink - a water based ink
intended for polygraph instruments.
c. Pen Table - flat portion where the pen
writes on the chart;
Besides recording blood pressure, pulse,
respiration, and GSR, this new polygraph
recorded muscular activity in the forearms,
thighs, and feet thanks to metal bellows placed
under the arms and seat of the polygraph
chair.

d. Paper Rail Guide - serves as the

security for the unnecessary
movement of the chart paper or to
ensure the paper’s forward movement
without shaking;
CHART/POLYGRAMS
● Refers to the composite record of the They must not be in the form of accusation
pneumograph, galvanograph and -
cardiosphygmograph tracing Avoid accusing the subject
recording from one series of Example:
questions.
Q: You’re the killer aren’t you?
QUESTIONS FORMULATION AND TEST Did you kill the victim
CONSTRUCTION.
Question must never contain an inference
STIMULUS. It is the force or motion reaching that the subject is guilty
the organism and excites the reporters. In Example:
short, it is anything that arouses the body to -
act. In Polygraph examination, a stimulus is Q: You killed the victim, didn’t you? (did you
presented to the subject in the form of kill the victim)
questions.
All questions must refer to only one
GENERAL RULES IN QUESTION element of an offense
FORMULATION -
1. Questions must be simple and direct. Make sure to ask one element at a time to
2. It must not involve legal avoid confusion on the part of the subject
terminologies; e.g., rape, murder, -
arson. If two elements, ask them separately
3. It must be answerable by “yes” or Example:
“no” and should be as short as Q: Did you kill John and steal his money?
possible. * ask this separately
4. It must not be in the form of
accusation.
5. It must never contain an influence or Usually 10 questions
inferences which presupposes A list of prepared questions in a planned
knowledge on the part of the subject. sequence;
6. All questions must refer to only one Comprising of not more than twelve
element of an offense. ● Atleast 3 charts with rest interval of
7. It must not contain inferences to one’s five (5) to then (10) minutes between
religion, race or belief. charts
-
Rest interval is important to maintain the
Use of legal terms might appear as a form condition of the subject.
of accusation. -
Example: We need to make the examinee comfortable
during the examination.
Q: Did you rape the victim?
Rape - sexually assault
Murder - kill/shoot/stabbed
Embezzle - steal
FORMULATION AND USE OF TEST ❖ SYMPTOMATIC QUESTION
QUESTIONS - Is designed to ensure that the
examiner will not ask
❖ IRRELEVANT QUESTION un-reviewed questions or that
- A question that has no the examinee is not afraid that
connection with the matter the examiner will ask
under investigation and deals un-reviewed questions.
with known facts that the subjects EXAMPLES:
cannot be denied. It is designed ● Do you believe me when I
to be emotionally neutral to promised not to ask
examinees and usually questions in this test I
answerable by “yes”; have not gone over word
- Also called a Neutral Question. for word?
● Even though I promised i
CHARACTERISTICS OF would not, are you afraid i
IRRELEVANT : will ask a question in this
1. It has no connection to test i have not gone over
the matter under word for word?
investigation; EXAMPLE:
2. No threat to the subject Is there something else
(usually); you are afraid I will ask
3. Neither innocent nor guilty you a question about,
suspects have reason to even though I have told
lie; you I would not?
4. Usually about the
suspect’s background; ❖ SACRIFICE RELEVANT QUESTION or
DYAT
EXAMPLE: - It introduces the relevant
1. Is today Monday? question to the subject;
2. Are you over 20 - Designed to absorb the response
years of age? generated by the introduction
3. Have you been of relevant question in this
involved in a series
robbery case this EXAMPLE:
year? ● Regarding the (matter
4. Do you drink water? under investigation), are
5. Did you eat today? you willing to answer the
6. Do you smoke? questions truthfully?
7. Are you wearing a ● Do you intend to answer
brown leather jacket the question truthfully?
now?
8. Do you live in
Burgos street,
Bacolod City?
❖ RELEVANT QUESTION c. GUILTY KNOWLEDGE
- A question deals with the matter QUESTION - designed to
under investigation. Color probe whether the subject
coded red in computerized possesses information
instruments. It is designed to regarding the identity of
generate reactions from the offender or the facts of
deceptive subjects. the case under question.
EXAMPLE:
TYPES OF RELEVANT ● Do you know who
QUESTION: took that missing
a. PRIMARY RELEVANT money?
(STRONG RELEVANT) d. EVIDENCE
QUESTION - addresses CONNECTING
the primary issue or direct QUESTION - test question
involvement of the subject in which the examinee is
on the matter under asked about a particular
question. It is used piece of physical
primarily with the evidence that would
single-issue incriminate the guilty
examination. person. It could be items
EXAMPLE: left at the crime scene by
● Did you take that the perpetrator or stolen
missing money? property.
Q: Did you steal EXAMPLE:
Juan’s bag? ● Do you know where
b. SECONDARY RELEVANT any of that missing
(WEAK RELEVANT) money is right
QUESTION - deals with now?
the physical acts that
support the primary issue. ❖ CONTROL QUESTION
This is usually used in - A question which is the same in
multi-issue nature with that of the relevant
examinations. question but broad in scope. Also
EXAMPLE: known as Comparison
● Did you participate Question;
in the theft of that - Is used for comparative purposes
missing money? with the relevant question;
EXAMPLE: - Control questions are designed to
Between 10:00 to be arousing for innocent
12:00 am., 10 subjects.
February 2011, did - These are usually asked if there
you open the table is doubt in the relevant and
drawer of mr. dela irrelevant questions.
cruz?
 - Separated in time from the
relevant issue with the use
of a time bar.
- Does not ask about the
current issue; asks about
the past

EXAMPLES:
● During the ___ years of your life, did you
ever ___ ?
● Prior to 2009, did you ever ___ ?
● While in college ___ ?
● Between the ages of ___ & ___, did you
ever ___ ?

❖ PEAK OF TENSION TEST (PAT TEST)

- Consist of only one relevant and
a series of irrelevant
questions;
TYPES OF PROBABLE LIE: - Subject may be given this test if
a. INCLUSIVE he is not yet informed of the
- a control question which details of the offense for which
includes the relevant time he is being interrogated by the
period under investigation. investigation, or by other persons
It was originally designed or from other sources like the
by Reid; print media.
- This type of question - Is only made possibly when
usually starts with the there is no widespread
phrase: “in your entire publicity about a crime.
life…..”. Also termed as - Padding questions before and
inclusionary. after the relevant questions.
b. EXCLUSIVE NON-CURRENT - Used if the subject does not have
EXCLUSIVE QUESTION knowledge about the facts of the
- a control question case.
separated in time, place - Composed of introductory
and category from the phrases and padding questions.
relevant question. It was Examples:
introduced by Cleve Q: Do you know whether the
Backster. He believes stolen watch from Rommel is a
that this prevents the guilty rolex? (introductory phrase
suspect from perceiving plus padding question)
the comparison question
as an ambiguous relevant Is it an omega? (padding)
question. Is it a seiko? (padding)
Is it timex? (relevant question)
 Is it alba quartz? (padding)
Is it a citizen? (padding)
Is it a G-shock? (padding)
TYPES OF POLYGRAPH TECHNIQUE/TEST:
B. SEARCHING PEAK OF TENSION
TEST (SPOT) - is used to determine the
details of a crime that are not known to
officials, such as the location of an
unrecovered body, but would be
known to a participant in the crime.
❖ GUILT COMPLEX TEST ❖ SILENT ANSWER TEST - subject is
- Used primarily for overly instructed not to give any verbal answer,
responsive subjects; the subject will only answer in his
- A totally fictitious incident but mind;
of a similar nature to the matter
being investigated and make ❖ COMPARISON QUESTION TEST
him believe it is real; (CQT) - the reactions on the control
- Details of fictitious crime must and relevant questions are compared
be specific enough that guilty via numerical scoring;
subjects can be sure he did not
commit this particular offense. ❖ CARD TEST / ACQUAINTANCE TEST
- This test is applied when the / STIMULATION TEST
response to relevant and control - The subject is presented with
questions are similar in degree seven (7) previously numbered
and consistency and in a way cards face down;
that the examiner cannot - He will be instructed to take
determine whether the subject is one look at it and return it with
telling the truth or not. the rest of the cards;
- If the subject does not respond - The examiner will shuffle the
to the added relevant cards and each card will be
questions, it indicates that the shown to him, with the instruction
subject was being deceptive as that he will answer “NO” to all
to the primary issue under cards, even if the one being
investigation. shown to him is the one he has
- No conclusion can be drawn if seen earlier;
the response to the added guilt
complex is similar to the real
issue questions.
“Did you take that watch from room 702?”
(127). There was, of course, no watch stolen
from room 702.
“Did you forcibly have sexual intercourse with
the nurse wearing a white uniform at the
Kalinga Hospital?”
S-K-Y Question. STAGES AND CONDUCT OF
POLYGRAPH TEST
● These are three (3) questions grouped
by Backster and used only on the third 1. PHASE I. INITIAL INTERVIEW WITH
chart in the zone comparison test. THE INVESTIGATOR HANDLING THE
They are designed to confirm the CASE
previous charts and detect indirect - The polygraph examiner formulates test
involvement or guilty knowledge. questions based on information
“S” stands for the suspect obtained from the investigator.
“K” stands for know - Question formulation depends largely
“Y” stands for you upon detailed and accurate information
Purpose: regarding available facts and
To confirm specific responses from previous circumstances that form the basis for
charts taken. To detect indirect/direct the suspicion or accusation directed
involvement or guilty knowledge. against the subject. Unless the
examiner is fully informed about the
CONCEALED INFORMATION TEST case, he will not be in a position to
conduct an adequate pre-test interview
Concealed information tests (more often
with the subject during which
called guilty knowledge of concealed
appropriate questions to be asked are
knowledge tests) present examiness with sets
formulated.
of very similar items, much in the manner of
stimulation tests, except that the similar items 2. PHASE II. PRE-TEST INTERVIEW
include one true and several (usually, four) - An interview conducted by the
false details of some aspect of an incident polygraph examiner designed to prepare
under investigation that has not been or condition the subject for the actual
publicized, so that the true answer would be test and to provoke and observe the
known only to the investigators and to those indications of guilt or innocence. It
present at the incident. usually lasts for about 20 - 30
minutes:
For example, in a burglary investigation:
a. Determining the subject physical, mental
“Where was the place of entry?
and psychological suitability to undergo
Was it a: (1) front entrance?
the test:
(2) kitchen door?
1. The subject should avoid taking
(3) bathroom window?
drugs at least 12 hours before
(4) balcony?
the test:
(5) room on the second floor?”
2. The subject if female should not
be pregnant;
3. The subject should not be
hungry;
4. The subject should not be
physically or emotional abuse;
&
5. The subject should not be
suffering from high blood or
hypertension.
 - Interrogation is conducted when the
reactions show signs of deception and
being uncooperative to open
information.

CHART MARKINGS
- Are annotations of the physiologic
tracings to denote stimulus (question)
onset and offset, examinee’s answer,
question number, question label,
artifacts, and other details important to
the interpretation of the physiological
data.
b. Informing the subject of his
Constitutional Rights (if the examiner is
a law enforcement officer);
c. Taking of the subject consent and
signature;
d. Taking of the subject personal data;
e. Preparing the subject for the test -
administration of stimulation test.

3. PHASE III. IN-TEST (ACTUAL TEST)

- Is the actual conduct of the test
administered by a polygraph examiner;
CONDITION OF THE ROOM:
● It should be spacious for two
persons; TWO TYPES OF CHART MARKINGS:
● Well lighted;
● Well ventilated; ➢ PRIMARY MARKINGS - these are
● 90% sound proof; & markings which indicate the beginning
● Not decorated and end examination as well as the
● One way mirror and remote questions and answer of the subject.
sound system or video device These are usually placed at the bottom
or top of the polygraph chart;
4. PHASE IV. POST-TEST INTERVIEW or a. “X” - it indicates the start of the
INTERROGATION test. The examiner informs the
- Is an interview or an interrogation subject that the test is about to
administered by a polygraph examiner begin;
after the test designed to obtain b. “I I” - is a stimulus mark. The
confession or admission by the subject; first vertical line marks when
- Interview is conducted when the the examiner starts asking
reactions indicate an innocent response questions. Second vertical lines
and are very cooperative to the when the examiner finishes
examiner; & asking questions;
 c. “+” - a positive sign which
indicates that the subject
answers the question with “yes”.
➔ This also indicates the
period when the subject
answers the question and
usually followed by a
“number” indicating the
order number of questions,
example +3, +4, +5….);
d. “_” - a negative sign indicating
that the subject answers the
stimulus with “no”. This also
indicates the period when the
subject answers the question and
usually followed by a
“number”;
e. “XX” - indicates the end of the
test.
TEST TECHNIQUES
➢ SECONDARY MARKINGS - are - The polygraph test consists of asking
markings which are placed only if the the subject/person through the
examinee does something which will transducer of the instrument, a list of
cause the physiological tracings to prepared questions in a planned
distort. These markings are usually sequence; comprising of not more
placed below the affected tracing. than twelve.
- At Least 3 test charts are taken, each
The following chart markings are uniformly
lasting not more than four (4)
used by FP during polygraph examination:
minutes with a rest interval of five (5)
to ten (10) minutes between charts.

TEST I. GENERAL QUESTION TEST (GQT)

- This test is about care under
investigation. These are sequence or
relevant, irrelevant and control
questions asked in a designed order.
- The questions are arranged in order to
contrast the subject’s responses
between relevant and control questions.
The answer to the questions is
restricted to YES or NO only.
GENERAL QUESTION TEST (GCT) SAMPLE CHART INTERPRETATION
1. Have you ever been called by the name
1. ACCURACY OF INSTRUMENTAL
Allan? (Irrelevant)
DETECTION OF DECEPTION - the
2. Is today Monday? (Irrelevant?
accurateness of instrumental deception
3. Do you have anything to do with the
of detection is dependent upon the
robbery at SM/Shoemart last night?
examiner’s capability to diagnose
(Weak Relevant)
truth or deception by reading and
4. Are you over 20 years of age?
interpreting the chart of the subjects.
(Irrelevant)
5. Were you one of those who robbed the 2. KEYNOTES TO ACCURATE CHART
SM/Shoemart last night? (Strong INTERPRETATION - the keynote to
Relevant) accurate chart interpretation is GOOD
6. Have you been involved in a robbery QUESTION FORMULATION.
case this year? (Control
3. CARDINAL RULE IN CHART
Question-Relevant)
INTERPRETATION - any change from
7. Do you drink water? (Irrelevant)
normal requires explanation.
8. Was the pair of gloves found at SM
yours? (Evidence
RULES TO BE FOLLOWED IN THE
Connecting-Relevant)
CHART INTERPRETATION
9. Do you know of anyone involved in the
robbery at SM/Shoemart last night? a. There must be a specific response.
(Question-Relevant) b. To be a specific response, the response
10. Have you ever been involved in any must from deviation from the norm
robbery in your entire life? (Secondary c. It must appear in at least two test
Control Relevant) charts
11. Have you deliberately lied to any d. The BEST INDICATION of deception is
question I have asked you? the simultaneous specific responses in
(Relevant-Check (optional)) the THREE (3) tracing of the charts.

CHART PROBING SERRATED NOTCHH - an intense nervous

state as a result of tremendous breathing. A
● Every after taking of each chart,
notch on either stroke may indicate the breath
probing should be conducted. The
when surprised or shocked, talking, coughing,
examiner shows the recorded result with
crying, swallowing may affect the tracing.
a brief explanation as to the importance
of the recorded reactions.
HYPERVENTILATION - resorts to a regular
● He points out the difference between
deep breathing in an attempt to beat the test.
reactions accompanying irrelevant
questions. The examiner informs the
SUPPRESSION or SHALLOW BREATHING -
subjects that the probing being done is
may be a sort of bracing against anticipated
essential, in order to attain the test
shock on an attempt to control the reaction to
objectives.
a shock just received.
RESPIRATORY BLOCK - it is an exaggerated RESULT ERRORS
form of suppression in which there is usual
➢ FALSE POSITIVE - an erroneous
shortening of both the inspiration and
decision that an examinee is being
expiration stroke that appears as straight line
deceptive when the examinee is
/ holding of breath.
actually truthful.

BACKSTER ZONE COLOR CODING ➢ FALSE NEGATIVE - an erroneous

decision that an examinee is being
truthful when the examinee is in fact
actually being deceptive.

➢ INCLUSIVE RESULT - this is the

examiner’s required diagnostic opinion
when an examinee’s polygraph
record shows responses that are
insufficient to determine truthfulness
of deception.

THREE CONCLUSION :
1. NDI / No Deception Indicated
= the subject is truthful

2. DI / Deception Indicated
● GREEN ZONE for the control = the subject is deceptive (lie)
questions.
● RED ZONE for the relevant question 3. INC / Inconclusive
● BLACK ZONE for the symptomatic = the polygraph examiner cannot
questions ascertain if the subject is deceptive or
● YELLOW - Neutral Questions not.

LIMITATIONS OF THE POLYGRAPH

Based on the numerical scoring. The
1. It is an invaluable aid but never a
scores are summed over to get the final
substitute for an investigation.
score.
2. It is not a lie detector; it is a scientific
If the score is positive and sufficiently diagnostic instrument.
large in value, interpretation is subject
made truthful statements. 3. It does not determine facts; it records
If large values and negative-subjects are responses to what the subject knows
deceptive. to be true.
Inconclusive - if close to zero 4. It is only as accurate as the examiner
is competent.