Let's say there is a polygraph examination being conducted on a suspect named John who is being questioned about a theft

that occurred in a company. The overall lesson of the three phases of the polygraph
examination can be exemplified and the uses of various types of test questions to gather information and detect deception are as follows:

Phase 1: Pre-Test During the pre-test phase, the examiner conducts a series of activities before the actual polygraph examination begins. This includes a pre-interview with John, where the examiner gathers
relevant data and explains the polygraph process to him. The examiner introduces the instruments used in the examination and ensures that John understands and signs the required waiver.

Phase 2: Test Execution (Questioning Phase) Once the pre-test phase is completed, the actual polygraph examination begins. The examiner attaches the necessary instruments to John's body, and the questioning phase starts.
The examiner asks a series of questions related to the theft, carefully formulating them to be answerable with a simple "yes" or "no." The polygraph instrument measures John's physiological responses during the questioning
period, from the time the instruments are attached until they are deactivated.

1. Irrelevant Question: "What is your name?" - This question is unrelated to the theft and serves to establish the subject's normal response patterns and excitement level with verbal stimuli.
2. Relevant Question: "Did you steal the company's confidential documents?" - This question directly pertains to the subject's involvement in the theft and aims to elicit physiological changes if the subject is being
deceptive. The purpose is to detect deception based on the subject's physiological responses.
 Class a. Strong or primary relevant question: "Did you plan the theft in advance?" - This question specifically focuses on the subject's level of planning and primary involvement in the crime.
 Class b. Secondary or weak relevant question: "Did you handle any stolen documents after the theft?" - This question addresses secondary elements of the crime and probes the subject's guilty knowledge or
partial involvement.
 Type a. Sacrifice or DYAT question: "Do you intend to answer all the questions truthfully?" - This question aims to uncover the subject's attitude and cooperation towards the test.
 Type b. Knowledge or DYK question: "Do you know where the stolen documents are currently located?" - This question tests whether the subject possesses information regarding important elements of the case.
 Type c. Evidence Connecting question: "Were your fingerprints found on the stolen documents?" - This question focuses the subject's attention on incriminating evidence that could establish guilt.
 Type d. LTQ (Lied to Any Questions) question: "Have you lied during this polygraph examination?" - This question serves as a protective measure to ensure the subject maintains psychological control
throughout the test.
3. Control Question: "Have you ever taken office supplies for personal use?" - This question is unrelated to the theft but serves as a comparison to the relevant questions. The purpose is to induce greater stress in
the subject when responding truthfully to offense-related questions.
4. Guilt Complex Question: "Have you ever committed a similar theft before?" - This question introduces a fictitious crime similar to the one under investigation. It aims to determine if the subject reacts with guilt
complex or if they have knowledge of a similar crime, potentially indicating their involvement.
5. Symptomatic Question: "Do you feel comfortable discussing this case with me as the examiner?" - This question explores the subject's trust in the examiner and aims to uncover hidden fears or apprehensions
unrelated to the issue.
6. SKY Question: "Do you suspect anyone in particular who committed the theft, and do you have any knowledge yourself?" - This question combines suspect, know/knowledge, and "you" factors. Its purpose is to
confirm specific responses from previous charts taken, as well as to detect indirect or direct involvement or guilty knowledge.

By utilizing these different types of test questions, the polygraph examiner aims to gather information, elicit physiological responses, and detect deception in order to aid the investigation process.

Phase 3: Post-Test After the questioning phase, the examiner deactivates the instruments. In the post-test phase, the examiner analyzes the polygraph charts and evaluates the results. They interpret the
physiological responses recorded during the test and form a diagnostic opinion. A post-interview is conducted to discuss the findings and allow John to provide additional information or clarification if needed.
Finally, the case is concluded based on the diagnostic opinion and any further actions are determined.

This example demonstrates the three phases of a polygraph examination and highlights the importance of each phase in the overall process of obtaining and interpreting the results.

Additionally, the example mentions the test procedure (actual steps involved in the examination) and the characteristics of questions to be asked during the questioning phase. These guidelines ensure that the
questions are clear, unambiguous, and focused on gathering factual information without being accusatory or interfering with the subject's personal beliefs.

Overall, the example provides a practical illustration of the polygraph examination process, including its different phases, the steps involved, and the considerations for formulating appropriate questions.