The polygraph chart presented above is a screenshot of an actual polygraph test.

It is a typical chart produced by a

state-of-the-art computer polygraph recording on five channels. 2 channels record the subject's respiration, one channel
records the Galvanic Skin Resistance, one channel records cardiovascular activity, and the remaining channel records certain
physical activity. During the test, the test questions are indicated as R1 to R10 at the bottom of the chart. They are short and
direct questions requiring a 'yes' or 'no' answer (Polygraph Chart Sample, n.d.)
Polygraph Examination result is based primarily on the chart tracings recorded by the polygraph instrument. To
remove any confusion as to whether
CHART MARKINGS

• signs and symbols to facilitate evaluation and chart interpretation

• it enables the examiner to determine the following (Calima, Manwong, San Diego, 2012):
a. the exact time the test commenced and terminated
b. initial and final blood pressure and galvanograph readings
c. the particular point where each question asked started and ended. Corresponding identification of the question
and the type of answer given by the subject
d. duration and amplitude of reaction patterns
e. Any instruction is given or repetition of the question made
f. Any movement, cough tracing by the suspect, or outside distractions that occurred
g. Mechanical adjustment or re-adjustment made

SIGNS AND SYMBOLS IN CHART MARKINGS

1. X/60/1.5 A
• First markings of the examiner on the chart
2. XX/60/1.5 A
• Examiner's mark after the test
3. X
• Indicates the beginning/start of the test
• Placed below the cardio tracing

Wait for 15-20 seconds before asking the 1" question to record the normal pattern of the subject

4. XX
• Indicates the end of the test
• Placed below the cardio tracing

Inform the subject that the test is about to end by giving the instructions to sit properly. The test is about
to end, and the BP cuff will be released in a moment. Deactivate the instrument after 10 seconds without stimulus
insertion
5. 60
• Millimeter of mercury shown in the sphygmomanometer dial
6. 1.5
• Ohms of skin electrical resistance
7. STIMULUS MARK
• Vertical line
• Placed below the cardio tracing
• Placed when the question is to be asked
a. / -- indicates the beginning of the question
b. // -- indicates the ending of the question
8. Answer to Questions
• Placed below or right side of the # of questions as subject answers
a. + for Yes
b. - for No
c. NO SIGN: when the subject fails to answer or during the "Silent Answer Test."
9. Numbering of Questions
• It can be placed between the stimulus marks or either below or to the right of the stimulus marking

10. Time Interval between Questions

• 15-20 seconds considered sufficient time to permit reaction curve
11. Talking by the subject other than the normal "YES" or "NO."
 a. Indicate "T" at the point where the subject starts to talk and again where the subject stopped talking below cardio
tracing
b. Draw a line between the two symbols to show the length of the talking
12. Talking Instruction (TI)
• Placed below the cardio pattern when the subject was instructed about talking
13. Coughing
• C
• Placed below the pneumo tracing where the break is shown
• It can also cause a sharp ring in the galvo pen and a break in the cardio pattern depending on its intensity
14. Movement
• Placed exactly above or below any break in the tracing caused by the subject's movement
15. Prolong movement
• M M
• Write "M" when movement is noticed and another "M" when movement stopped, then draw a horizontal line
between the two "M"s
• When the subject moves within a specific position of the body, indicate it by the letter "M" and the portion of the
moved in parenthesis
i.e.
M (Left arm)
16. Movement instruction
• MI
• Placed below the cardio patterns when the subject was instructed to move
17. Mechanical Adjustment
• Indicated by an arrow pointing up ( ) or down ( ) adjacent to the respective pattern where the adjustment is
made
• Done only when necessary and shall be preceded by an irrelevant question
18. Clearing of the Throat
• CT
• Placed below the pneumo tracing
19. Outside Noise
• Placed on the chart where the galvo or pneumo activity appears as a result thereof
Example of OSN sufficient to cause a disturbance in the pattern are: a train whistle, slamming of the door,
telephone ring
20. Sigh
• S
• Placed inside the pneumo tracing exactly where it takes place
• Because of the psychological implications involved, it must be distinguished from a deep breath
21. Sniff
• SN
• Placed below the pneumo tracing where the sniff was noted
22. Sneeze
• SZ
• Placed below the pneumo tracing
23. Burp
• B
• Palced below the pneumo tracing
24. Laugh
• L
• Placed below the breaking point of the pneumo tracing but may also affect the cardio tracing
25. Yawn
• Y
• Placed below the pneumo tracing
26. Changes of voices
• VC
• Used when there is a change of voice as the subject answer the question
• Placed at the breakpoint of the cardio tracing where stimulus marks show the subject’s answer.
27. Involuntary Movement
• IM
• Placed at the breakpoint of the cardio tracing frequently contains deception criteria
28. Discomfort due to BP cuff
• ARM enclosed in a circle
• If continuous, draw a horizontal line and write another ARM at the termination of the discomfort
29. Breathing Instruction
• BI
• Placed below the cardio tracing
• Used when the subject was instructed regarding deep breath
30. Repeat of Question
• RQ
• Placed below the cardio tracing when subject request a repetition of the question
31. Paper Jam
• PJ
• Placed below the cardio pattern at the time of the jam

METHOD OF NUMBERING CHARTS FOR IDENTIFICATION

1. Identifying Information on Test Charts
a. Subject's name, the rank or position
b. Date and hour of examination
c. Test or Chart #
d. Initial of examiner
e. To be written above the pneumo pattern near the beginning of the chart
2. Identifying Signature of Subject
a. Done after the exam
b. The subject will sign across the three recorded graphs
c. Done for purposes of identification of each chart
CHART TRACINGS
4 BASIC TRACINGS OF A MODERN POLYGRAPH
1. The thoracic breathing pattern of respiration
2. The abdominal breathing pattern of respiration
3. Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)
4. Cardiosphymograph tracings (blood pressure, pulse rate)
PNEUMOGRAPH TRACING

• Normally found at the top of the chart

• A record of the subject's respiratory action It consists of inhalation and exhalation strike with a normal amplitude
of form 1⁄2 to 1/3 inches

The normal cyclic rate is from 13 to 18 breaths per minute. It may vary from exceptional physical build
condition or respiratory defect. The classification of abnormal is generally applied to those patterns that deviate
from the individual's norm.
Descriptive types of breathing:
1. Normal
2. Rapid
3. Slow
4. Shallow
5. Deep
6. Serrated inhalation or exhalation or both
7. Deviations caused by coughing and mechanics of answering
Pneumograph changes from the individual norm which may be indicative of deception are:
1. Change in rhythm or regularity
2. Change in amplitude or volume
3. Change in amplitude/exhalation ratio
4. Notched or serrated inhalation/exhalation strokes
5. Change of baseline
6. Loss of baseline
7. Hyperventilation
 Hyperventilation is the condition in which there is extremely deep and rapid breathing, which is in response
to anxiety, leading to muscle spasms and fainting primarily due to carbon dioxide depletion (Microsoft Encarta).
8. Suppression
9. Respiratory block
GALVANIC TRACING WHICH indicates DECEPTION
1. Vertical rise at the point of deception
2. Double saddle response
3. Long duration and/or degree of response following point of deception
4. Plunging galvanograph tracing
CARDIOSPHYMOGRAPH TRACING INDICATIVE OF DECEPTION:
1. Increase or decrease in blood pressure
2. Increase or decrease in pulse rate
3. Increase or decrease in amplitude
4. Change in position or disappearance of the dicrotic notch
5. Extra systoles (premature contradiction of an auricle or ventricle while the fundamental rhythm of the heart is
maintained)
CHART PROBING

• done every after the taking of each chart.

RULES IN INTERPRETING REACTIONS
1. Suppose the control question responses (6 and 10) are greater than the responses to the questions (3, 5, and 9)
about the principal offenses being investigated. In that case, the subject is telling the truth.
2. If the response on the principal test questions (3, 5, and 9) is greater than the control questions (6 and 10), the
subject tells a lie.
3. Where there is no appreciable difference between the control questions (6 and 10) and the principal offense
question responses (3, 5, and 9), there is a specific response in (8), the subject is telling the truth.
4. When there is an appreciable difference between the control questions (6 and 10) and the principal offense
questions (3, 5, and 9), and there is no specific response in (8), the subject is telling the truth.

When there is no specific response on principal offense questions (3, 5, and 9) and no response on 8, the subject is
lying.
Errors in Interpretation
While the polygraph technique is highly accurate, it is not infallible, and errors do occur. Polygraph errors may be caused
by the poorly skilled examiner's failure to properly prepare the examinee for the examination or misreading the physiological
data on the polygraph charts. Errors are usually referred to as either false positives or false negatives. A false positive occurs
when a truthful examinee is reported as being deceptive; a false negative when a deceptive examinee is reported as truthful.
Some research indicates that false research studies show the opposite conclusion (Polygraph Exam Servics in Dallas TX -
How Polygraphs Work | Polygraph Science Center, n.d.).
Since it is recognized that any error is damaging, examiners utilize various procedures to identify the presence of factors
that may cause false responses and ensure an unbiased review of the polygraph records.

These quality assurance procedures used by Polygraph Science Center include:

• an assessment of the examinee's emotional state

• medical information about the examinee's physical condition
• specialized tests to identify the overly responsive examinee and to calm the overly nervous
• stimulation questions to evaluate the examinee's response capabilities
• factual analysis of the case information
• a pre-test interview and detailed review of the questions quality control reviews by other Polygraph Science
Center examiners.
Suppose a polygraph examinee believes that an error has been made. In that case, several actions may be taken, including
the following:
1. Request a second examination
2. Retain an independent examiner for a second opinion
3. File a complaint with a state licensing board
4. File a complaint with the Department of Labor under EPPA
5. File a request for the assistance of the American Polygraph Association

How does the examiner differentiate nervousness from reactions manifested following a lie?
It is quite normal for a person to be nervous when taking a polygraph examination, whether they intend to lie or not.
I will not interfere with the examiner's ability to distinguish. The experienced examiner is aware of this fact. Nervousness
honesty from dishonesty as they are clearly and completely different reactions. Once the examination is in progress, the
examiner will want you to be as comfortable as possible. To this end, the examiner will do his best to reduce your degree of
nervousness before the actual examination (http://www. polygraphia.ca/polygraph examination interview
quebeccanada.html).