EVALUATION OF POLYGRAPH TEST RESULT:

Rules to be followed in the formulation of test questions:

a) Questions must be simple and direct.
b) They must not involved legal terminology such as rape, murder, etc.
c) They must be answerable by yes or no.
d) Must be short as possible.
e) Their meaning must be clear and unmistakable phrased in a language that the subject can easily
understand.
f) They must not be in the form of accusation.
g) Question must never contain an inference which presupposes knowledge on the part of the subject.
h) All questions must refer to one offense only.
i) All questions must refer to only one element of an offense.
j) They must not contain interferences to ones religion races or belief.

What are the Types of Test questions and how they are constructed?
The polygraph test consists of asking the subject/person through a list of prepared questions in a
planned sequence comprising of not more than twelve (12). At least 3 test charts are taken, each lasting
not more than four (4) minutes with a rest interval of five (5) to ten (10) minutes between charts.

Two general types of questions to be constructed and may be supplemented by other types of
questions:
1. General Question Test (GQT) – the most commonly applied.
2. Peak –of-Tension Test (PTT) – which is usually used as supplementary test.

Set of tests that maybe applied during the polygraph examination process:
1. General Question Test – the purpose is to get the standard tracing of the subject and to establish a
true telling pattern for the initial part of the record. It consist of series of relevant, irrelevant control
questions in a planned order. Developed by John E. Reid
2. Relevant/Irrelevant Test - consists primarily of series of irrelevant questions and relevant question
pertaining to the crime under investigation. Developed by Keeler.
3. Number card Test (Psychological Test) – the purpose is to check the possible deliberate distortion
when the chosen number is asked and to obtain a chart wherein the subject is not under stress.
4. Card test / Acquaintance Test / Stimulation Test - the subject is presented with seven (7) previously
numbered cards face down. He will be instructed to take one, look at it and return it with the rest of
the cards. The examiner will shuffle the cards and each card will be shown to him, with the
instruction that he will answer “NO” to all cards , even if the one being shown to him is the one he
has seen earlier. This is performed to determine the subject’s responsiveness to the polygraph test. It
provides initial readings that would be of value in assessing machine accuracy and subject’s
suitability. This however, will not in any way be part of the interpretation or quantitative
determination of deception.
5. Spot Responder – the purpose is to determine the responsiveness of the subject to crucial question
on spot responses.
6. Mix Question – the purpose is to compare the degree of reaction between control and relevant
question.
7. Silence Answer Test (SAT) – it is a confirmatory test.
8. Comparison Question Test (CQT) - the reactions on the control and relevant questions are compared
via numerical scoring

How does the General Question Test (GQT) formulated?

The GQT consists of a series of Relevant and Irrelevant Questions asked in a planned order.
Questions are so arranged as to make a comparison of responses to relevant questions with subject’s norm
made during the answering of irrelevant questions.
THE RELEVANT QUESTIONS
Functionally, relevant questions are questions directly related to the offense under investigation. In
pre-employment and periodic screening, the area of interest may be the subject’s entire background. Color
coded red in computerized instruments. It is designed to generate reactions from deceptive subject.
a) Simple, direct, and short.
b) Do not include legal terminology (sexual assault, fondling, rape, incest, etc.). Legal terminology allows
for examinee rationalization and utilization of other defense mechanisms.
c) Each question's meaning must be clear, not allow for multiple interpretations, and should not be
accusatory.
d) Do not presuppose knowledge of the examiner.
e) Do not use language that "Crosses the Time Barrier";
f) Contains language easily understood by the examinee.
g) Must be clearly and easily answerable by yes or no.
However, it is recommended that relevant questions be phrased in a manner that is answerable by "NO."
This is because the examination is concerned with the subject's physiological reaction and not with the
answer.
h) Should avoid the use of any emotionally-laden terminology (i.e., molest).

Relevant questions are split up into four categories, which are considered as "the four legs of the crime."
a. Did you do it
b. Did you help
c. Do you know who did it
d. Did you get anything out of it

Relevant questions are further classified according to its stimulation effect when applied,
namely:
 Strong Relevant or Primary Relevant Question – which has an intense relationship to the crime or
problem being considered. This is intended to produce strong emotional response in guilty subjects.
It addresses the primary issue or direct involvement of the subject on the matter under question. It is
use primarily with the single-issue examination.
o a direct question having an intense and specific relationship to the crime or problem being
considered
o designed and constructed to test for direct or primary involvement only
o specifically designed to produce an emotional response in the person attempting deception

i.e., Theft of car

Did you steal that car?
Example. Did you take that missing money?

Secondary or Weak relevant – are questions that concern with elements of the crime and deals mostly on
guilty knowledge and partial involvement. It deals with the physical acts that support the primary issue. This
is usually use in multi-issue examination.

Example. Did you participate in the theft of that missing money?

Weak relevant is classified into the following:

 Sacrifice relevant or DYAT questions (Do you intend to Answer Truthfully) – designed to absorb
the response generally generated by the introduction of the first relevant questions in the series.
Reaction to these questions gives the examiner a clue as to the subject’s attitude of willingness or
voluntariness to submit to the test.
it introduces the relevant question to the subject

• A question concerning some secondary element of the crime of problem being considered
 • Guilty knowledge, partial involvement- type question
i.e., Theft of car
Did you help anybody to steal the car?
Example. Regarding the stolen Ipod, do you intend truthfully to answer each question about that?

Knowledge questions (Guilty Knowledge) – this type of question is propounded to the subject to detect
information about a crime that only a guilty subject would have. Such information might include details
about the site of the crime or the means of committing it, such as the type of weapon used. It is hypothesized
that guilty subjects will exhibit a different physiological response to the correct (relevant) detail than to the
incorrect details, but that innocent subjects will respond the same to all the items. It is designed to probe
whether the subject possesses information regarding the identity of the offender or the facts of the case
under question.

Example. Do you know who took that missing money?

At this instance, the phrase “for sure” is included to eliminate further suspicion just in case the
subject knew the offender and the location of the evidence but is only hesitant to answer “yes”.

Evidence-connecting Question – this has to do with inviting subject’s attention on the probability of
incriminating proof that would tend to establish his guilt, by linking him and his predicaments to the
fingerprints, footprints, tool marks, etc. collected at the crime scene. A test question in which the examinee
is asked about a particular piece of physical evidence that would incriminate the guilty person. It could be
items left at the crime scene by the perpetrator or stolen property.

Example. Do you know where any of that missing money is right now?

THE CONTROL QUESTIONS

Control questions, are used for purposes of comparison. Essentially, truthful subjects are believed by
polygraph examiners to be more concerned (and, thus, more physiologically aroused) about control than
relevant questions. The responses to both control and relevant questions are compared. A question which is
the same in nature with that of the relevant question but broad in scope. It is used for comparative purposes
with the relevant question. It is designed to generate reactions from truthful subject.

Control Questions (Damme, n.d.)

 These are questions on which all subjects will be potentially untruthful.
 Used to absorb any anxiety of a truthful subject and draw the attention away from the relevant
questions
 Designed to draw a possible lie from the subject to items broadly similar to the issue on hand
 Reaction to this type of question will be compared to the relevant question in order to give a result
 A question typically answered by "NO." When the subject says yes to a question when asks if he
ever stole anything, the examiner will quietly ask what he stole. Most subjects will then say "small
things" or mention a few neglectable items. The examiner will then rephrase: Apart from what you
told me, did you ever steal anything else in your life? Which will then result in the desired "No"
answer.
Examples of Control Questions:
- Before this year did you ever steal anything in your life?
- Before this year, did you ever lie to someone who trusted you?
- Do you remember if you ever stole anything from a place where you worked Do you remember ever
seriously lying to any of your colleagues?
PROBABLE LIE (CONTROL QUESTIONS)
• Designed to produce a response in an innocent subject
 • Serves as a basis for evaluating the subject's perceptual set
• General formulation rules
a. When appropriate, it should be of a similar type but unrelated to the specific crime or
problem being considered
b. It should be constructed so the subject answer "no." However, the subject a "yes" answer
c. It should be such that the examiner can reasonably know that the subject's answer is a lie
• When Use:
a. Examiner must condition and stimulate the subject in the pretest interview, causing the subject to
believe that test questions are important to the procedure and final test results
b. The theory of the control question must not be discussed with the subject because the subject will
not respond if he understands the theory
c. Control questions are generally broad in scope and time. It must not, however, include the offense
under investigation that is, 3 to 5 year to the current offense

example:
Before you were 21 years of age, did you ever steal anything?
Do you remember stealing anything before you were 21 years of age?
Besides what you have told me about, did you ever steal anything else before you were 21?
Besides what you have told me about, have you ever stolen any money from a former employer?

Two (2) kinds of control questions:

1. Primary Control Question – recalls the offense done from the time of childhood up to three to five
years before the occurrence of the present offense being investigated.
Example: Before reaching the age of 28, have you ever stolen anything?

2. Secondary control question – more specific in nature, it is based upon another sort of wrongdoing
which will enhance the subject’s opportunity for responsiveness. Its scope includes up to the present
period of examination.
Example: Have you ever stolen anything from this locality?

The formulation of both types of control questions necessitates reasonable certainty that the subject’s
answer is a lie. It is theorized that although guilty subjects will also be concerned about control questions,
they will be more concerned about and thus exhibit more physiological reactions to relevant questions.

The Irrelevant (Neutral) Questions:

Types of questions which have no importance to the case under investigation, these are questions
which are believed to have no, or very little emotional impact on a subject. Thus, such questions can be used
as an indicator of a particular subject’s normal baseline level of arousal. These must precede the relevant
ones.
A question that has no connection with the matter under investigation and deals with known facts
that the subject cannot be denied. It is designed to be emotionally neutral to examinees and usually
answerable by “yes’. Also called Neutral Question.

Characteristics of Irrelevant
1. It has no connection to the matter under investigation.
2. No threat to subject (usually).
3. Neither innocent nor guilty suspects have reason to lie.
4. Usually about the suspect’s background.
5. Questions that give a truthful answer.
 6. Generally used at the beginning of polygraph technique to establish a ‘norm’ for examinee, or
throughout the examination as needed to reestablish norm pattern.

Purposes of Irrelevant Question

1. Establish the professional authority in the room that means, the examiner asks questions and the
suspect answers.
2. It allows the examiner to assess the subject’s normal behavior for this heightened emotional
situation.
3. Allows the examiner to identify something he has in common with the subject, to establish rapport.
4. It minimizes resistance.

Examples: Did you eat today?

Do you smoke?
Are you wearing brown leather jacket now?
Do you live in Burgos Street, Cauayan City?

Sample Set of General Question Test (GQT)

1. Have you ever been called by the name Juan? (Irrelevant)
2. Is today Monday? (Irrelevant)
3. Do you have anything to do with the robbery at SM (Shoemart) last night? (Weak relevant)
4. Are you over 20 years of age? (Irrelevant)
5. Are you one of those who robbed the SM last night? (Strong relevant)
6. Have you been involved in a robbery case this year? (Control Question-Relevant)
7. Do you drink water? (Irrelevant)
8. Was the pair of gloves found at SM yours? (Evidence Connecting-relevant)
9. Do you know of anyone involved in the robbery at SM last night? (Knowledge Question-Relevant)
10. Have you ever been involved in any robbery in your entire life? (Secondary Control-Relevant)
11. Have you deliberately lied to any question I have asked you? (Relevant-Check Question (optional)

Other Questions that may be asked in the Polygraph technique:

1. Check Question – last question asked in the lie test. It is direct question that relates to the fact that
the subject has told the truth to all questions asked in the lie test.
2. Fishing Expedition Test Question – used to vagrants or loiters for routine interrogation. No idea
about what offense has been committed.
Example: Have you ever been arrested before?
Are you wanted anywhere now by the police?

Supplementary Test Questions:

PEAK-OF-TENSION TEST (PTT)

The subject may be given this test if he is not yet informed of the details of the offense for which he
is being interrogated by the investigation, or by other persons or from other sources like the print media.
This valid test is only made when there is no widespread publicity about a crime where intimate details as to
the methods of commission or certain facts of the case is known from the victim and investigator. The
questions formulated are similar in nature and construction, only one of which is true. Consist of only one
relevant and a series of irrelevant questions. It resemble, in every general way, the card test, for it consist
essentially of the asking of a series of question in which only one has any bearing upon the matter under
investigation. Padding questions before and after the relevant questions.

Examples of Peak-of-Tension Test:

a. Do you know whether the stolen watch from Juan is a Rolex? (This is an introductory phrase plus
padding question)
b. Is it an Omega? (Padding)
 c. Is it a Seiko? (Padding)
d. Is it Timex? (Relevant Question)
e. Is it Alba Quartz? (Padding)
f. Is it a Citizen?(Padding)

GUILT COMPLEX TEST (GCT)

This test is applied when the response to relevant and control questions are similar in degree and in
consistency and in a way that the examiner cannot determine whether the subject is telling the truth or not.
The subject is asked questions aside from irrelevant, relevant and control questions, 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. Used primarily for overly responsive subjects. A totally fictitious incident
but a similar nature to the matter being investigated and make him believe it is real. The purpose is to
compare the response with those response made concerning the actual matter under investigation

• Acts as a safeguard against mistaking the relevant response of the guilt complex reactor for
deception responses; that is, it acts as a specialized control question
• Rules to follow:
a. Based on a fictitious crime situation constructed by the examiner
b. The fictitious crime should be specific rather than general
c. The fictitious crime situation should be closely parallel with the actual crime under investigation
and should be equal in weight

d. The examiner, before approaching the subject concerning the crime situation, must be certain the
fictitious crime was never actually committed
e. The situation must be constructed so that the subject could be considered a logical suspect; that is,
it must cover a time which the subject does not have an alibi
f. Details of the fictitious crime must be specific enough that the guilty subject can be sure he did not
commit this particular offense

example:
"Did you steal the money from the house at Palma Street?"
"Did you forcibly have sexual intercourse with the nurse wearing a white uniform at the Kalinga
Provincial Hospital?"

Example: Did you steal that Ferrari toy collection?

On this case the stealing of Ferrari toy collection was not actually committed because the alleged
crime investigated was the loss of the Ipod.

SYMPTOMATIC QUESTION
Its function is to detect and evaluate the presence of outside issues which may suppress response to
relevant questions. This is often true that the subject is fear that they might be asked about another cases in
which they are involved but are not the subject matter under investigation.
It is designed to ensure that the examiner will not ask un-reviewed questions or that the examinee is
not afraid that the examiner will ask un-reviewed questions.

• Designed to detect and evaluate the presence of outside issues, which may suppress responses to
relevant questions
Example:
"Are you completely convinced that I will not ask you a question on this test that has not already been
reviewed?
 "Is there something else you are afraid I will ask you a question about, even though I have told you I
would not?"

Examples:
Do you believe me when I promised not to ask a question in this test I have not gone over word for
word?
Even though I promised I would not, are you afraid I will ask a question in this test I have not gone
over word for word?
Are you completely convinced that I will not ask any question on this test that has not already been
reviewed?

S.K.Y QUESTIONS

S – Stands for Suspect

K – Means Knowledge
Y – Refers to “you” as the subject

SKY QUESTIONS
A series of 3 questions used only on the third chart of BZCT and designed to conform to the previous
two charts and detect indirect involvement or guilty knowledge

i. Do you SUSPECT anyone in particular of stealing Ana's money?

ii. Do you KNOW for sure who stole Ana's money?
iii. Did YOU steal Ana's money?

These three questions are based on the Backster Technique grouped together to confirm the previous
charts and may detect indirect involvement on guilty knowledge.

What May NOT Legally Asked (http://www.polygraph.to/ polyprocess2.shtml)

Personal and intrusive questions have no place in a properly conducted polygraph examination.
Many state licensing laws, the Employee Polygraph Protection Act, as well as the American Polygraph
Association, prohibit non- related intrusive questions in the following areas:
• religious beliefs or affiliations
• beliefs or opinions regarding racial matters
• political beliefs or affiliations
• beliefs, affiliations, or lawful activities regarding unions or labor organizations
• sexual preferences or activities
In a specific issue polygraph examination of an evidentiary nature, the relevant questions focus on the
particular act under investigation.
Suppose the issue involves a sexual offense, or a sensitive security matter is at stake. In that case, there
may be documented exceptions to the preceding prohibitions.

ZONE COMPARISON TEST

ZONE – a twenty to thirty five seconds block of polygraph chart time initiated by a question having
a unique psychological focusing appeal to a predictable group of examinees.

Five (5) Variations of the Zone Comparison Technique:

1. Matte Quadri-track Zone Comparison Technique – is a polygraph technique used exclusively for
single-issue tests. It was developed by Matte. This test also employ the Backster’s basic test structure
and quantification system with some refinements and addition of another spot consisting of a
 control/relevant question pair to deal with examinees “fear of error” and the guilty examinees “hope
of error”.
2. Backster Tri-zone Comparison Technique – permits the use of inside track “fear of error” control
question and the “hope of error”. When the Backster zone comparison technique does not
incorporate the fear/hope of error questions the only difference remaining in the test structure
between numbers one and two techniques is the position of symptomatic questions which are
opposite.

The color coding according to Backster:

 Green zone – for control questions
 Red zone – for the Relevant questions
 Black zone – for the Symptomatic questions

3. The Department of Defense Polygraph Institute (DoDPI) Bi-Spot Zone Comparison Technique
– the first zone contains the relevant questions concerning, Primary, Secondary and S-K-Y
(Suspicion Knowledge You questions). The second Zone, is used when there is only one question or
issue that must be addressed in the examination.
4. Integrated Zone Comparison Technique – developed in 1987 by Nathan J. Gordon, William M.
Waid and Philip M. Cocheti. This technique has the most significant departure from the original zone
comparison technique developed by Cleve Backster.
5. The Utah Zone Comparison Technique – the structure of this technique is basically the same for
single issue test as it is for multiple issue tests. However, instead of using relevant question that
embraces several facts of a crime or matter under investigation, the single issue test uses relevant
question that addressed a single issue only.

Most commonly used questions sequencing:

1. Revised Reid-Inbau Relevant-Irrelevant Test
2. Backster’s Zone Comparison Test.

The REID-INBAU Technique (11 Questions)

1. Have you ever been called by the name Pedro? (Irrelevant)
2. Do you drink? (Irrelevant)
3. Were you in the vicinity of Nick Dela Cruz house between 10:00 and 11:00 last night? (Weak
relevant)
4. Are you now sitting down? (Irrelevant)
5. Did you steal the Ipod of Nick? (Strong relevant)
6. Before reaching the age 28, have you ever stolen anything? (Primary control)
7. Do you drink orange juice? (Irrelevant)
8. Were the footprints outside the house of Nick yours? (Evidence connecting)
9. Do you know for sure who stole the Ipod of Nick? (Knowledge)
10. Have you ever stolen anything from this locality? (secondary control)
11. Have you ever lied answering any of my questions now? (Symptomatic)

The BACKSTER’S ZONE Test (13 Questions)

This is somewhat different from the Reid-Inbau Technique. The questions will be formulated and the
test so constructed in sequence as follows:
1. Have you ever called by the name Pedro? (Irrelevant)
2. Regarding the stolen Ipod and Ferrari toy collection, do you intend to answer truthfully each question
about that? (Sacrifice Relevant)
3. Are you completely convinced that I will not ask any question on this test that has already been
reviewed? (Symptomatic)
4. Can you remember stealing anything before you were 28 years of age? (Control)
5. Did you steal Nick’s Ipod? (Strong relevant)
6. Other than what you told me, did you steal any other things from your locality? (Control)
 7. Did you steal the cell phone from Nick house? (Strong relevant)
8. Is there something else you are afraid I will ask you, though I told you I would not? (Symptomatic)
9. Did you steal that Ferrari toy collection? (Guilt Complex)
10. Do you know where the missing Ipod of Nick is now? (Weak relevant)
11. Do you suspect anyone in particular of stealing Nick’s Ipod? (S)
12. Do you know for sure who stole Nick Ipod? (K)
13. Did you steal Nick’s Ipod? (Y)

Specific Tests for Specific Events or Scenario used in the Polygraph Technique:
1. Known Solution Peak of Tension – this is administered when a fact relating to the event is known
only to the perpetrator of the offense and the victim, police and client.
2. Proving Peak of Tension – this is administered to obtain information that might prove valuable to
an investigation. It is designed to determine the location, disposition, modus operandi and amounts
on the list of possibilities.
3. Pre-employment Test – this test seeks to verify information contained in a job application and
develop relevant information deliberately committed by the subject.
4. Periodic Testing – this is conducted for the purpose of determining the honesty of employees
assigned to sensitive position. It also acts as a constant deterrent to employee’s dishonesty.

CHART MARKING

Is one of the most important things in the conduct of polygraph examination because it assists the
examiner in interpreting and evaluating the test result, without these markings the examiner will find it
difficult to interpret the tracings which will be the basis in drawing out conclusions and recommendations.
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.
To facilitate evaluation and interpretation of the test result, chart markings are made using signs and
symbols to enable the examiner determine the following:
1. Exact time the test commenced and terminated.
2. Initial and final blood pressure and galvanograph readings.
3. Particular point where each question asked started and ended.
4. Corresponding identification of the question, and the type and time of answer given by the subject.
5. Duration and amplitude of reaction patterns.
6. Any instruction given or repetition of question made.
7. Any movement, cough tracing by the suspect or outside distractions that occurred.
8. Mechanical adjustment or readjustment made.
9. Extraneous factors affecting test chart such as paper jams.
10. Time interval between questions.
11. Chart number, name of subject, time, date, and place taken.

Signs and Symbols commonly used in Chart Marking:

X / 60/ 1.5 A - first markings on the chart
XX / 60 / 1.5 A - examiner’s mark after the test
X - start of test
XX - end of test
60 - Mm of mercury shown in the sphygmomanometer dial
A or M - Automatic or Manual galvo amplifier used
II - point where each question begins and end (called stimulus mark)
+ - Yes answer to question
- - No answer to question
A - Adjustment
T - Subject talked instead of answering with single yes or no
R - Request for repetition of question
C - Coughed
N - Noise
S - Sighed (moan)
PJ - Paper jam
SN - Sniffed
BI - Breathing instruction
OS - Outside stimulus caused change of tracing
M - Moved or movements
MI - Movement Instruction
L - Laughed
B - Use to signify belched
C+ - Increase in galvo sensitivity
C- - Decrease in galvo sensitivity
Y - Yawned
IS - Ink stopped
CT - Cleared Throat

Two types of Chart Interpretation

1. Global Analysis
2. Numerical Scoring
a. Manual Numerical Scoring
b. Computer Scoring Algorithm

GLOBAL ANALYSIS
In global analysis, the examiner looks for significant reactions that occur repeatedly which is referred
to as “Conspecnificance”. Conspecnificance is the consistency of reaction to a specific question with
significant magnitude
NUMERICAL SCORING
The numerical scoring is a method of rendering polygraph decisions that are based exclusively on
numeric values that have been assigned to physiological responses recorded during a structured polygraph
examination

ELEMENTS OF SCORING SYSTEM

1. Reaction Features = are raw physiological data that a polygraph examiner should look into the polygraph
chart for numerical interpretation. It can be scored using the seven position or three position rules. Only
reactions on the relevant and comparison questions are scored during interpretation.
2. Transformations = In transforming physiological data, combine observations of reactions to relevant and
control stimulus into a single value for each component and for each presentation of each of the target
stimuli.
 Red questions (relevant) are compared to Green question (control)
 Assign a - score when there is a larger response to a relevant question
 Assign a + score when there is a larger response to a control question
 Different scoring systems used different scoring rules in assigning numerical value to particular
reaction features on the relevant and comparison questions.
3. Decision Rules - determines when data meet the criteria for inclusion in a particular category. Final step
in polygraph numerical scoring, producing decisions of Deception Indicated, No Deception Indicated, and
Inconclusive. Artifacts such as deep breaths, coughs, movements, and physiological abnormalities
(premature ventricular contractions) affect the quality of tracings for scoring. All these should not be scored.

ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF POLYGRAPH RESULTS

 Accuracy = the condition or quality of being true, correct, or exact. It refers to validity (state or
quality of being well founded).

Types of Validity
  Face Validity = opinion or consensus of experts
 Content Validity = selection of pertinent issues of inquiry
 Predictive Validity = ability to predict a future outcome
 Concurrent Validity = ability to identify what is already known
 Convergent Validity – new info coincide with extant info
 Divergent Validity – new info separates extant ideas
 Construct Validity – meaningful defined and understandable relationships (correlations) between
various phenomena
 Criterion Validity – accuracy of category decisions
 Incremental Validity – professional decision accuracy improves with the use of additional
information

 Reliability = refers to stability or consistency of measurement. Reliability studies in PDD often

examine the rate of decision agreement among examiners on polygraph test charts.

Two Types of Reliability

1. Interrater reliability = denotes agreement among examiners
2. Intrarater agreement (test-retest reliability) = pertains to an examiner agreement with his own
decisions when evaluating the charts on different occasions.

Note: Reliability is not the same as validity, which means accuracy. A technique cannot be more valid than
it is reliable. A technique can have high agreement without high accuracy, though the reverse is not true.

Goals of Polygraph Testing

 Sensitivity = Ability to detect or notice the issue.
 Specificity = Ability to reject non-involved cases.

Threshold of Accuracy According to American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM)

 Ninety (90) Percent = for evidentiary polygraph examinations. Evidentiary polygraph examinations
are those conducted specifically for courtroom purposes.
 Eighty (80) Percent = for investigative polygraph examination. Investigative polygraph examinations
are used for non-judicial purposes.
 Both evidentiary and investigative examinations are permitted to an inconclusive rate of twenty (20)
percent.

Result Errors
False Negative = refers to the failure to detect the presence of a particular event or item. In
polygraphy refers to the incorrect decision that deception was not practiced by the examinee.
False Positive = is the false detection of something that is not actually present. In polygraphy. It is
the incorrect decision that deception was practiced by the examinee.

Polygraph Chart Paper or Polygram:

About 100 feet long, 6 to 8 inches in width with ½ or .5 inch top and bottom margins. Chart papers
are imprinted with horizontal lines spaced at ¼ inch intervals or 20 divisions and vertical lines at 1/10 inch
intervals with heavy lines at ½ or .5 inch intervals. Each ½ inch division of the vertical lines represents 5
seconds of time. Pulse rate per minute may then be computed according to number of beats per ½ division
by 12.

Polygraph chart – is the composite record of the pneumograph, cardiograph and galvanograph tracing from
one series of questions.

2 kinds of responses where deception may be traced:

1. Normal response – refers to the tracing of responses on the chart which does not deviates from the
norms of the subject’s psycho-physiological response the subject and usually appears when the
subject is being of irrelevant questions.
 2. Specific response – refers to any deviations from the normal tracing of the subject in the relevant
and control questions.

Pneumograph Tracing
It is normally found at the top of the chart. The pneumograph pattern consists of inhalation and
exhalation strikes with a normal amplitude of form ½ to ¾ inches. The normal cyclic rate is from 13 to 18
breaths per minute and may vary in reasons of exceptional physical build condition or respiratory defect.

Respiratory tract – which comprises the nose and mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and lungs.
Bony cage – which includes the thoracic vertebrae, the ribs, and the breast bone or the sternum.

The average breathing patterns:

a. New Born - 50 to 70 cycles/minute
b. Children (1 to 5 years old) – 20 to 30 cycles/minute
c. Adults (without age consideration) – 15 to 20 cycles/minute

The descriptive types of breathing:

a. Normal
b. Rapid
c. Slow
d. Shallow
e. Deep
f. Serrated inhalation / or both
g. Deviations caused by coughing and mechanics of answering.

The pneumograph changes from the individual norm which may be indicative of deception:
a. Change in rhythm or regularity.
b. Change in amplitude or volume.
c. Change in the inhalation or exhalation ratio.
d. Notched or serrated inhalation or exhalation strokes.
e. Change of base line; loss of base line
f. Hyperventilation
g. Suppression
h. Respiratory block

The Galvanograph Tracing

It is normally located at the center position. When properly balanced, it takes the form of a slightly
wavering line across the middle portion of the chart with a minor response to spoken stimuli.

Skin – the external covering of the body consisting essentially of the epidermis, dermis, and the corium. The
anatomical compositions of the epidermis have four layers of stratified epithelium, while the corium is
composed of connective tissue containing lymphatic nerves and nerve ending, blood vessels, sebaceous and
sweat glands and elastic fibers.

Basic functions of the skin:

a. Protection against injuries and parasitic invasions.
b. Regulation of body temperature.
c. An aid in the elimination of bodily wastes products.
Galvanic Skin Response or Reflex (GSR) – tests records changes in subject’s increase or decrease
resistance to a constant electrical current generated through the amplifier, recording galvanometer, and
rectifier of the polygraph.

The Galvanic tracings which may be indicative of deception:

a. Vertical rise at point of deception
b. Double saddle response
 c. Long duration and / or degree of response following point of deception.
d. Plugging salvo tracing.

Cardiosphygmograph Tracing:
It is normally found at the bottom of the chart showing the three physiological phenomena, a systolic
stroke, a diastolic strokes and a dichotic notch. Normal pulse rate of the average individual is 72 to 80
beats per minute and may vary due to emotional tone of the subject.

The cardiograph tracing taking the form of specific responses indicative of deception:
a. Increase or decrease in blood pressure.
b. Increase or decrease in pulse rate.
c. Increase or decrease in amplitude.
d. Change in position or disappearance of dichotic notch.
e. Extra systoles (premature contradiction of an auricle or ventricle while fundamental rhythm of the
heart is maintained).

General rules to follow for an effective chart interpretation:

1. There must be a specific response.
2. To be specific, it must form a deviation from norm.
3. It must appear in at least two (2) test charts.
4. The best indication of deception is the simultaneous specific responses in the three (3) tracings of the
chart.

Frye and Daubert Standard of Admissibility:

Frye Standard – is a legal precedent regarding the admissibility of scientific examinations or experiments in
legal proceedings. This standard comes from the case of Frye vs. United States. In the Frye standard,
scientific evidence presented to the court must be interpreted by the court as “generally accepted” by a
meaningful segment of the associated scientific community.

The Daubert Standard – was derived from the Daubert v. Merrel Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “Cross-
examination, presentation of contrary evidence, and careful instruction on the burden of proof, rather than
wholesale exclusion under an uncompromising “general acceptance” standard, is the appropriate means by
which evidence based on valid principles may be challenged

Current state of polygraph testing in the Philippines:

Polygraph evidence was first discussed by the Supreme Court in 1978 in People v. Daniel. In 1999,
the Supreme Court was again confronted with polygraph evidence in People v. Adoviso. On June 2000, the
ruling in the Adoviso case was reiterated in People v. Reanzares. On April 2001, the Supreme Court
reiterated the same rule in People v. Carpo.
Polygraph evidence is consistently rejected by our Supreme Court for being unreliable and
inconclusive in determining the truth, thus, the polygraph instrument is only useful as a valuable criminal
investigative tool in the Philippines.

Collateral Aspects of polygraph testing:

Pre-employment – it provides a safe method in verifying statements of a job applicant, prevent false
evaluation and false judgement as reported by previous employer who carry a persona grudge against him.

Periodic Screening – conducted to organic employees only and use as constant deterrent to employee’s
dishonesty and create a bond of mutual strength among employees.