FORENSIC 105

MIDTERM NOTES
EVOLUTION OF THE POLYGRAPH

DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIOSPHYGMOGRAPH
• Researchers employed different apparatus in monitoring the blood pressure and pulse activity of a
person.

GALILEO
THE FIRST TO CONDUCT EXPIREMENT USING PULSIOLOGIUM
HIS STUDY ABOUT EMOTION AND MENTAL FUNCTIONS WAS CONCIEVED IN 1728

GIOVANI MARIA LANCISI

EMOTIONS ARE PERCIEVED BY THOUGHT, BY MORE OR LESS FORCEFUL HEART ACTION.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MIND DERIVED FROM THE STRUCTURE AND PHYSICAL
CHANGES GOING ON IN THE BODY

STEPHEN HALES
ENGLISH CLERGY MAN
A PRIEST WHO PIONEERED CLINICAL PHYSIOLOGY.
THE FIRST TO STUDY THE MEASUREMENT OF BLOOD PRESSURE IN ANIMALS IN 1733.

ANGELO MOSSO
ITALIAN PHYSIOLOGIST
HE USED PLETHYSMOGRAPH IN HIS STUDIES OF EMOTION AND FEAR AND IT EFFECT ON
THE HEART AND RESPIRATION
PERFORMED HIS STUIDY TO MEASURE THE INFLUENCE OF FEAR USING A SCIENTIFIC
CRADLE – AN INSTRUMENT DESIGNED TO MEASURE THE FLOW OF BLOOD IN DIFFERENT
PARTS OF THE BODY

CESARE LOMBROSO
HE WAS THE FIRST TO ATTEMPT USING SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT FOR DETECTING
DECEPTION IN CRIMINAL CASES.
HE USE SPHYGMOGRAPH, PLETHYSMOGRAPH, AND HYDROSPHYGMOGRAPH IN THE
INTERROGATION AND INVESTIGATION OF CRIMINAL SUSPECTS
HE PUBLISHED THE REPORTS OF HIS SUCCESSFUL FINDINGS ABOUT THE CHANGES IN
BLOOD VOLUME AND PULSE RATE, ATTRIBUTED TO TRUTH AND DECEPTION

HUGO MUNSTERBERG
HE SUGGESTED THE USE OF BLOOD PRESSURE TEST, PULSE TRACING FOR MEASURING
DECEPTION IN COURT PROCEEDINGS

WILLIAM MOULTON MARSTON

HE DEVELOPED A DISCONTINUOUS SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE TEST IN 1915.
USED AN ORDINARY SPHYGMOMANOMETER TO OBTAIN PERIODIC, DISCOUNTINUOUS
BLOOD PRESSURE TO TEST A SUSPECTED PERSON INVOLVED IN CRIME.
HE ATTEMPTED TO PRESENT AS EVIDENCE THE RESULT OF HIS TECHNIQUE IN U.S VS FRYE
CASE.

JOHN AUGUSTUS LARSON

CONSTRUCTED AN INSTRUMENT CAPABLE OF CONTINUOUSLY RECORDING BLOOD
PRESSURE, PULSE AND RESPIRATION DURING EXAMINATION

DEVELOPMENT OF PNEUMOGRAPH
Respiration is one of the physiological signals recorded by a polygraph for the detection of deception.

VITTORIO BENUSSI (1914)

He conducted experiments using the pneumograph for the detection of deception.
Observed changes in the inspiration or expiration ratio during deception.
His theory suggest that, if the length of inspiration was divided by the length of expiration, the ratio
would be greater after lying than before lying

HAROLD BURTT (1918)

He partially confirmed the theory of Benussi for detecting deception.
In 1921, he conducted study with Marston and Troland on the three methods of determining deception
1. Word association reaction
2. Inspiration/Expiration reaction
3. Systolic blood pressure method

LEONARDE KEELER
Made significant changes in the polygraph instrument by adding channels for recording blood-pressure
pulse, respiration, a galvanograph and kymograph. The instrument records breathing pattern , galvanic
skin response, heartbeat, pulse rate and strength plus changes in mean blood pressure

JOHN E. REID
Devised an instrument capable of recording muscular activity along with changes in blood pressure,
pulse, respiration and GSR

WILLIAM MOULTON MARSTON

Experiments to record the respiration and the time of the subject’s verbal responses.

DEVELOPMENT OF GALVANIC SKIN RESPONSE CHANNEL

It was named after Luigi Galvani- an Italian physician and physicist, Conducted study of electricity on
animals. His discovery lead to the invention of battery.
GSR is an outdated term that is no longer use in the science of psychophysiology. The recommended
appropriate term is electrodermal activity as applied in modern polygraphy.

EMIL DU BOIS-REYMOND
German physician and physiologist
1849- Discovered the flow of current from two limbs by applying chemical compound on the hands and
feet.
Inferred that the human skin is a conductor of electricity.
He regarded that the observed phenomena was influenced potentially by muscle activity.

HERMANN AND LUCHSINGER

1878 They reported their findings above the connection of sweat gland activity and flow of current in
the skin of a cat.
1881, Hermann discovered that finger and palm areas of the hands produces greater sweat compared
to other body parts.
JEAN MARTIN CHARCOT
Famous for his work on hysteria and hypnosis.
Vigouroux and Fere used Charcot laboratory in their research.

ROMAIN VIGOUROX
Electrotherapist
In 1879, he conducted research on emotionally disturbed patients by measuring the changes in skin
resistance through adjusted dosages of medications applied to them.
He suggested the vascular theory in electrodermal activity which associated the changes in skin
resistance with changes in blood flow.

CHARLES FERE
French neurologist
In 1888, he observed changes in resistance as response to various form of stimuli using a direct
current on hysterical patients.
His works leads to the discovery of exosomatic EDR recording.
He believed that the changes in resistance were result of vasomotor changes.

IVAN TARCHANOFF
RUSIAN PHYSIOLOGIST
In 1889, he was the first to report changes in skin potential measurements a several sensory and
physical stimulations.
He assumed that the electrodermal phenomena was attributed to sweat gland activity.
He proposed that secretory theory which associate the electrodermal activity with sweat glands activity.

GEORG STICKER
In 1897, he was the first to suggest for the application of psychogalvanometer to forensic problem.
Sticker believed that the origin of the galvanic skin phenomena is under the influence of exciting mental
impressions and that the will has no effect upon it.
His conclusion was derived from the experimental work of several predecessors.

OTTO VERAGUTH
In 1907, Veraguth was one of the first to used galvanometer in his experiment with word association.
Considered as the first to use the term psychogalvanic reflex
Believed that the electrical phenomena are connected with sweat gland activity.
His findings contradicted with the observation mad by Fere, Tarchanoff and Muller.

HUGO MUNSTERBERG
Suggested the use of galvanometer in measuring the resistance of electrodermal activity in 1908
He used the importance of word association test in determining the guilt of criminal suspect.

JOHN A. LARSON
He introduced the psychogalvanometer on the existing two-channel polygraph and has become a
significant and standard component of all polygraph devices.
THE FATHER OF LIE DETECTION

WILLIAM MARSTON
He reported conducting experiments with Troland and Burtt using a galvanometer while designing
deception techniques for the US Army intelligence service to address war-time problems. However, the
result of the experiment was not successful.
He was credited for adding the EDR component in existing polygraph that records respiration, and
relative blood pressure as early as 1949.

Other significant events and personalities in the history of lie dectection

Word association test

Conceptualized in 1879
Sir Francis Galton.
These procedure involves presenting numerous words that are IRRELEVANT and inserted with words
that are PERTINENT TO THE ISSUE under investigation.

The ink polygraph

Sir James Mackenzie- famous English heart surgeon
The machine based sphygmograph was designed not for lie detection but for medical used
The instrument record tracings of the radial, jugular and hepatic pulse.

The cardio-pneumo-psychogram or breadboard polygraph

John Larson
Was used in Berkeley police department.
The instrument is capable of continuously recording blood pressure pulse and respiration during
examination.

Keeler polygraph
Originally manufactured by the western electro-mechanical company.
The kymograph could be adjusted to run the chart paper to 3, 6, or 12 inches per minute.

Relevant irrelevant technique

Both relevant and irrelevant questions pertaining to the case ion hand are asked.

Berkeley polygraph
Capt. Clarence D. Lee of Berkeley Police Department
The instrument consists of a chart drive recording unit, a pneumograph, cardiograph, and a stimulus
signal unit

Reid polygraph
John E. Reid
An instrument capable of recording muscular activity along with changes in blood pressure, pulse,
respiration and GSR.
The reid control question technique (general question test) 1947
Uses control question as basic response indicator

Backster zone comparison test

Developed by Cleve Backster in 1960
Has 3 zone technique: green (probable-lie comparison questions), red (relevant questions) and black
which represents the type of polygraph questions.
Black zone questions are included to uncover examinee concerns about an issue outside of the scope
of the red and green zones, such as involvement in another crime. Each zone is presumed to be
threatening to someone; however, depending on the examinee’s mental set, it is anticipated that one
particular zone is more threatening than are the other two.
Composed of three testing format: Backster SKY, Backster exploratory, Backster You-Phase
It was developed as modifications of the original comparison question technique of John Reid

Numerical scoring of polygraph data

Cleve Backster was credited for the introduction of numerical scoring approach in the evaluation of
polygraph charts.
It involves assigning numerical scores on the degree olf physiological response observed in
RELEVANT and COMPARISON QUESTION

COMPARISON QUESTION TEST

Originated from Reid control question technique of John Reid
Developed by Dr. David Raskin in 1970
This technique used relevant questions that specifically referring to the crime and comparison
questions that same in nature of a crime but unrelated by time, place, or category.

Guilty knowledge test

The Guilty Knowledge Test (GKT) is a psychophysiological questioning technique that can be used as
part of a polygraph examination which purports to assess whether suspects conceal “guilty knowledge”
by measuring their physiological responses while responding to a series of multiple choice questions.
doesn't rely on measurements of stress or tension in order to detect the lie. Instead, the test
seeks to detect the cognition associated with lying.
Was Harry stabbed to death?

Army modified general question test

Modification of GQT of John Reid
The analysis is through numerical evaluation unlike with the Reid techniques that is clinical approach

Arthur II polygraph and Arthur specific accusation test

Richard O. Arthur- Director of National Training Center for Lie Detection
He was the first to record two Pneumograph tracing
He introduced the Arthur Polygraph manufactured by stoelting consisting stimulus marker designed to
record the time when the question was asked and answer.
Arthur II polygraph and Arthur specific accusation testHe was the first to record two galvanic skin
response set in self centering and floating mode
He suggested that automatic or self centering mode is better than manual mode.
He designed a polygraph technique which include behavior analysis in the interpretation of polygraph
data

Employee polygraph protection act

The Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) prohibits most private employers from using lie
detector tests, either for pre-employment screening or during the course of employment.
Subject to restrictions, the Act also permits polygraph testing of certain employees of private firms who
are reasonably suspected of involvement in a workplace incident (theft, embezzlement, etc.) that
resulted in specific economic loss or injury to the employer. Where polygraph examinations are
allowed, they are subject to strict standards for the conduct of the test, including the pretest, testing and
 post-testing phases. An examiner must be licensed and bonded or have professional liability coverage.
The Act strictly limits the disclosure of information obtained during a polygraph test.

American polygraph association

The American Polygraph Association (APA) is an international professional organization of polygraph
examiners and professionals.
The American Polygraph Association, established in 1966, is the largest polygraph association
consisting of examiners in the private, law enforcement, and government fields.

Department of Defense Polygraph Institute

Trains all federal polygraph examiners. The basic polygraph courses are taught at the Masters Degree
level. The Institute also offers specialized courses in forensic psychophysiology through their continuing
education program. In addition, DODPI conducts on-going evaluations of the validity of polygraph
techniques used by federal examiners as well as research on new polygraph techniques,
instrumentation, analytic methods, and polygraph countermeasures.

Computer assisted polygraph system

During the 1980s, research was conducted on computerized polygraph at the University of Utah by
Drs. John C. Kircher and David C. Raskin and, in 1988, they developed the Computer Assisted
Polygraph System (CAPS), which incorporated the first algorithm to be used for evaluating
physiological data collected for diagnostic purposes.

Electronic analog polygraph

An analog polygraph is a kind of polygraph machine that can measure at least three different
physiological responses. When being tested, a patient has complex rubber tubes attached to the chest
and stomach area to record respiratory activity, a blood pressure cuff to record heart rate, and small
metal plates attached to the fingers to record sweat gland activity. When the machine is turned on, the
polygraph needles scratch lines onto a roll of paper. The lines represent the levels of stress the person
is experiencing and that stress is believed to be caused by telling lies.

Computerized polygraph
since 1993, the computerized polygraph machine has replaced the analog machine. Just like the
analog polygraph, the computerized polygraph measures a person's heart rate, leg movements,
sweating and other physiological responses. It is quite comprehensive and tells if a person is not telling
the truth.
The main difference between the analog and computerized polygraph is that the computerized makes
its recording on a computers hard disk, which can be viewed on a screen or printed out.

EXAMINATION ROOM
Clean and Orderly – A well-maintained room minimizes distractions and promotes a professional
atmosphere.
Free from Noise – External sounds can interfere with the examinee’s concentration and affect
physiological responses.
Privacy – Ensures the examinee feels secure and uninhibited, reducing anxiety unrelated to the test.
No Displayed Pictures, Certificates, or Other Items – Eliminates potential psychological influences or
distractions that could affect the examinee’s responses.

A Polygraph Examiner is a trained professional responsible for conducting lie detection tests to assess
truthfulness in criminal investigations, pre-employment screenings, and other security-related
 evaluations. Using specialized equipment, they monitor physiological responses such as heart rate,
respiration, and skin conductivity to detect deception. Their role requires expertise in forensic
psychology, interrogation techniques, and ethical considerations to ensure accurate and fair
assessments.

A Polygraph Examiner must uphold high personal integrity by being honest, impartial, and ethical in
conducting examinations. They should avoid bias, manipulation, or misuse of polygraph results.
Additionally, to ensure accuracy and reliability in their assessments, they must continuously enhance
their proficiency through ongoing study, research, and training in forensic polygraph and interrogation
techniques.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINER

1. In conducting a polygraph examination, the examiner should be reminded of the responsibilities of his
subject.
2. The polygraph examiner recognizes the fact that his primary responsibility must be to the person who
has voluntarily submitted him to a polygraph examination.
3. He should never conduct examination on person without first the appraisal of the subject’s constitutional
rights.
4. He should never examine any person unless the instruction he is going to utilize is in good working
condition and makes a control permanent recording on a moving chart of at least two physiological
tracings.
5. He should never render a certain or conclusive verbal or written opinion based on the chart analysis
without having administered at least two or more charts.
6. He should not suggest testimony concerning the charts or conclusions presented by another examiner
unless he is methodically familiar with the techniques and procedures employed.

RIGHTS OF THE SUBJECT- ANY PERSON UNDERGOING POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION SHALL HAVE
THE RIGHT:
TO BE EXAMINED BY A QUALIFIED EXAMINER;
TO BE DETERMINED IF FIT FOR EXAMINATION;
TO BE INFORMED OF THE REASON FOR THE TEST;
TO HAVE AN EXPLANATION OF THE INSTRUMENT AND WHAT IT DOES;
TO GIVE CONSENT TO THE TES
NOT TO BE COMPELLED TO UNDERGO PROLONGED QUESTIONING;
NOT TO BE EXPOSED TO ORAL CRITICISM OR ABUSE;
NOT TO BE EXPOSED TO PHYSICAL, MENTAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE;
TO REFUSE TO SUBMIT TO THE TEST.

Who are not qualified for the test?

[Link] Physical illness
2. Temporary illness and conditions such as injury or pain
3. Under medical treatment.
4. Pregnant Women.
5. Individuals with Mental or Emotional Disorders.
6. Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol.
7. Minors

PHASES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

This presentation clarifies the stages of a polygraph examination. Polygraphs are used in law enforcement
and private investigations.
Phase 1: The Pre-Test Interview
A. Preparation for the Test
1. Room for Polygraph Examination – The environment should be quiet, free from distractions, and
properly arranged to minimize external stimuli that could affect the examinee’s physiological
responses.
2. Examiner Appearance – The examiner should present themselves professionally, wearing
appropriate attire to establish credibility and authority.
3. Discussions with the Investigators – The examiner consults with investigators to understand the
case details, the purpose of the test, and any specific concerns.
4. Review of Relevant Materials – Examination of case files, statements, and other pertinent
documents to formulate proper test questions.
5. Functionality of the Instrument – Ensuring the polygraph machine is properly calibrated, tested, and
functional before the examination begins.
B. Introduction to the Examinee
1. Greetings – Establishing rapport with the examinee through a professional but approachable
introduction.
2. Identification – Confirming the identity of the examinee through official documents or verbal
confirmation.
c. Overview of the Test
1. Explanation of the Polygraph Process – The examiner provides a clear and concise explanation
of how the polygraph works, including its purpose and the physiological responses being measured
(respiration, cardiovascular activity, and galvanic skin response).
2. Test Procedure Outline – The examiner describes the sequence of events, including question
formulation, data collection, and result interpretation.
3. Addressing Examinee’s Concerns – The examinee is given the opportunity to ask questions and
clarify any doubts about the test.
d. Rights and Consent
1. Informed Consent – The examinee is made aware that the test is voluntary (unless legally
mandated) and must sign a consent form acknowledging their willingness to undergo the
examination. The examiner informs the examinee about their rights, including the right to
discontinue the test at any time and the confidentiality of the results.
2. Ensuring Understanding – The examiner ensures that the examinee comprehends the
implications of the polygraph examination before proceeding.
e. Health and Biographical Information
1. Medical History Review – The examiner asks about any medical conditions, medications, or
recent illnesses that may affect physiological responses.
2. Psychological Well-being Assessment – Determining if the examinee is in an appropriate mental
and emotional state to undergo testing.
3. Unsuitability for the Test – If the examinee has a serious medical condition, is under the influence
of drugs/alcohol, or exhibits extreme anxiety, the test may be postponed or deemed inappropriate.
4. Rapport Building
Establishing Trust – The examiner engages in light conversation to ease the examinee’s tension
and establish a cooperative environment.
Encouraging Honest Communication – The examiner reassures the examinee that truthful
responses will result in a fair and accurate test outcome.
Creating a Neutral and Professional Atmosphere – The goal is to minimize nervousness
unrelated to deception, ensuring the examinee is as comfortable as possible before proceeding to the
next phase.
f. Interview of the Related Issues
This stage involves gathering relevant information about the case or issue being investigated. The
examiner uses different interview techniques to elicit information from the examinee before formulating
polygraph questions.
1. Free-Narrative Interview
o The examinee is encouraged to provide an open-ended, uninterrupted account of their
version of events.
o The examiner listens attentively, taking note of inconsistencies or areas that need further
clarification.
o This method helps establish a baseline for the examinee’s verbal and non-verbal behavior.
2. Structured Interview
o The examiner follows a predetermined set of questions, ensuring all necessary topics are
covered systematically.
o Questions are direct, focusing on specific aspects of the case to gather factual details.
o The goal is to obtain clear and concise information without unnecessary deviation.
3. Semi-Structured Interview
o A combination of free-narrative and structured approaches.
o The examiner starts with open-ended questions but follows up with specific, probing
questions based on the examinee’s responses.
o This approach allows flexibility while ensuring critical areas are addressed in detail.
g. Explaining the Polygraph Sensors
The examiner explains how the polygraph instrument functions and how it records physiological responses,
including:
1. Respiratory Sensors – Pneumographs placed around the chest and abdomen to measure
breathing patterns.
2. Cardiovascular Sensor – A blood pressure cuff or finger sensor to monitor heart rate and blood
pressure changes.
3. Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) Sensor – Electrodes attached to the fingers to measure sweat
gland activity (skin conductivity).
4. Movement Sensors – Some modern polygraphs include motion sensors to detect physical
movements that could indicate countermeasures.
The purpose of explaining the sensors is to assure the examinee that the test is scientific and objective,
reducing anxiety and encouraging cooperation.
h. Acquaintance Test
The acquaintance test is used to:
• Verify the functionality of the polygraph instrument.
• Familiarize the examinee with the sensation of being tested.
• Demonstrate how physiological responses are recorded.
Calibration Verification of Sensitivity
• Ensures that the polygraph is detecting and recording physiological changes accurately.
• The examiner may adjust the sensitivity settings to optimize response detection.
Types of Acquaintance Tests:
1. Known Number Acquaintance Test
1. Similar to the blind number test, but the examiner already knows the number chosen.
2. Used to further confirm the accuracy of the polygraph and establish the examinee’s
physiological baseline.
2. Fail-Proof Blind Number Test
1. The examinee is asked to select a number (e.g., between 1 and 10) and keep it secret.
2. The examiner asks about each number while the polygraph records responses.
 3. This demonstrates to the examinee that the instrument can detect deception.
3. True Blue Control Test
1. The examinee is given a simple question with a known truthful answer to observe a
“truthful” physiological response.
2. A deceptive response question may also be included to compare physiological reactions.
3. This test helps establish a clear distinction between truth and deception before the actual
examination begins.
After completing these steps, the examiner proceeds to Phase 2: The In-Test Phase, where the actual
polygraph questioning takes place.
Development and Review of Test Questions
The effectiveness of a polygraph examination depends on the proper formulation of test questions. These
questions must be clear, concise, and structured to elicit measurable physiological responses.
The examiner reviews all questions with the examinee before the test to ensure understanding and
minimize surprise or confusion. The main types of polygraph test questions include:
1. Sacrifice Relevant Question
1. A non-scoring question designed to introduce the examinee to the examination process.
2. Typically, the first relevant question in the test, used to ease the examinee into the
process.
3. Example: "Do you understand that you must answer all questions truthfully?"
2. Relevant Question
1. Directly related to the issue being investigated.
2. These questions are designed to elicit a physiological reaction if the examinee is
deceptive.
3. Example: "Did you take the missing money from the office safe?"
3. Comparison Question (Control Question)
1. Broad questions designed to provoke a physiological response for comparison with
relevant questions.
2. Typically related to past behaviors rather than the specific issue being investigated.
3. Example: "Before 2024, did you ever lie to someone in authority?"
4. A deceptive response to comparison questions helps differentiate between guilty and
truthful individuals.
4. Neutral/Irrelevant Question
1. Unrelated to the investigation, designed to establish a baseline response and keep the
examinee relaxed.
2. Example: "Is today Monday?" or "Are you sitting in a chair?"
5. Symptomatic/Introductory Question
1. Used to detect issues such as fear of a specific question or attempts to use
countermeasures.
2. Helps determine if the examinee has concerns beyond the scope of the examination.
3. Example: "Are you afraid that I will ask you something you don’t want to answer?"
These carefully crafted questions are reviewed with the examinee to ensure clarity and fairness before
proceeding to Phase 2: The In-Test Phase, where the actual polygraph test is conducted.

PHASE 2: IN-TEST PHASE

is the core of the polygraph examination, where physiological responses are recorded as the examinee
answers the pre-approved questions. This phase involves the following key steps:
A. Proper Attachment of Polygraph Sensors
• The examiner ensures that all polygraph components (respiratory, cardiovascular, and galvanic
skin response sensors) are correctly placed and functioning.
• Any necessary adjustments are made to optimize accuracy.
B. Conduct of the Polygraph Examination
This stage involves asking the examinee the developed test questions while monitoring their physiological
responses.
1. Establishing Baseline Responses
1. Neutral or irrelevant questions are asked first to establish normal physiological reactions.
2. Example: “Is your name”?
2. Administering Test Questions
1. The examiner asks a sequence of relevant, comparison, and neutral questions in a
structured manner.
2. The test is conducted in multiple charts (recordings) to ensure consistency and detect
patterns.
3. Examinee responses are monitored for significant deviations from baseline data.
3. Ensuring Examinee’s Comfort and Cooperation
1. The examiner reassures the examinee and ensures they remain still and focused.
2. Breaks may be provided if needed to reduce stress or discomfort.
C. Data Collection and Monitoring
• The polygraph instrument records physiological responses to each question in real-time.
• The examiner observes and notes any significant physiological changes.
• Multiple test charts are collected to confirm consistency in responses.
D. Identifying Countermeasures and Artifacts
• The examiner watches for physical movements or deliberate attempts to manipulate results (e.g.,
controlled breathing, muscle tension).
• Any irregularities, such as excessive movement, are noted and may require test repetition.
Once all necessary data is collected, the examiner proceeds to Phase 3: Post-Test / Data Analysis
Phase, where the recorded responses are reviewed and interpreted.
Physiological Responses: What is Measured?
Respiration
Changes in breathing patterns.
EDA
Changes in skin conductance.

Cardiovascular
Changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

PHASE 3: CHART ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

The Test Data Analysis Phase is where the examiner reviews and interprets the physiological responses
recorded during the In-Test Phase to determine whether deception was indicated. This phase consists
of the following steps:
A. Chart Analysis
1. Review of Recorded Polygraph Charts
1. The examiner examines the physiological tracings (respiration, cardiovascular, and
galvanic skin response) for significant deviations.
2. Patterns are compared across multiple test charts for consistency.
2. Identifying Significant Responses
1. The examiner looks for strong physiological reactions to relevant questions in
comparison to neutral and control questions.
2. Stronger responses to relevant questions may indicate deception, while stable responses
suggest truthfulness.
3. Scoring of Polygraph Charts
1. The examiner applies scoring methods, such as:
 1. Numerical Scoring System – Assigning numerical values to physiological
reactions.
2. Global Evaluation – A holistic assessment of the overall pattern of responses.
B. Interpretation of Results
1. Possible Outcomes:
1. No Deception Indicated (NDI) – The examinee's responses show no significant
physiological changes to relevant questions, suggesting truthfulness.
2. Deception Indicated (DI) – The examinee exhibits significant physiological changes when
answering relevant questions, suggesting possible deception.
3. Inconclusive (INC) – The results do not provide a clear determination, requiring further
examination or retesting.
2. Consideration of External Factors
1. The examiner evaluates potential influences, such as examinee stress, medical conditions,
or attempts at countermeasures, that may have affected the test results.
C. Correlation with Investigative Information
• The polygraph results are compared with existing evidence, witness statements, and other
investigative findings.
• If deception is indicated, investigators may use the results to guide further questioning or evidence
gathering.
D. Preparation of the Polygraph Report
1. Summary of Examination Details
1. Date, time, location, and purpose of the test.
2. Examinee’s biographical information and consent.
2. Description of Procedures
1. Details of the pre-test interview, question formulation, and polygraph technique used.
3. Test Results and Interpretation
1. Explanation of the examiner’s findings and final conclusion.
4. Final Remarks and Recommendations
1. If needed, the examiner may suggest further testing or investigative steps based on the
results.
Once the Test Data Analysis Phase is complete, the results are communicated to the requesting party or
investigators.
Phase 4: Post-Test Interview
The Post-Test Interview is the final stage of the polygraph examination. It involves discussing the results
with the examinee, clarifying any inconsistencies, and obtaining additional information based on the
test findings. This phase includes the following key steps:
A. Reviewing the Examinee’s Experience
1. Debriefing the Examinee
1. The examiner asks the examinee how they felt during the test.
2. The examinee is given an opportunity to express concerns or discomfort experienced
during the test.
2. Confirming Understanding of the Process
1. The examiner ensures that the examinee understood the questions and testing procedure.
2. Any misunderstandings are clarified to maintain transparency and fairness.
B. Discussion of Preliminary Findings
1. If No Deception Indicated (NDI)
1. The examinee is informed that no significant reactions to relevant questions were
observed.
2. The examiner reassures the examinee and may provide a summary of their physiological
responses.
 2. If Deception Indicated (DI)
1. The examiner presents the results and explains that significant physiological responses
were observed on certain relevant questions.
2. The examinee is given a chance to explain why their physiological responses may have
indicated deception.
3. If Inconclusive (INC)
1. The examinee is informed that the results were not definitive.
2. The examiner may discuss potential reasons, such as stress, nervousness, or inconsistent
physiological responses.
3. Retesting may be recommended if necessary.
C. Obtaining Additional Information (If Needed)
1. For Deceptive Results:
1. The examiner may conduct a post-test interrogation if deception was indicated.
2. The examinee may be asked follow-up questions to encourage disclosure of withheld
information.
3. Techniques such as the "theme development" approach (where the examiner suggests
possible reasons for deception) may be used to elicit a confession.
2. For Truthful Results:
1. The examinee is thanked for their cooperation.
2. No further questioning is typically required.
D. Final Instructions and Closing the Examination
1. Providing the Examinee with Next Steps
1. The examinee is informed about the next steps, such as how results will be reported to
investigators.
2. If necessary, the examinee is advised on potential retesting.
2. Maintaining Professionalism
1. Regardless of the results, the examiner ensures the interview ends professionally and
respectfully.
2. The examinee is reassured that the polygraph is just one tool in the investigative process.
E. Documentation and Finalization of the Report
1. Finalizing the Polygraph Report
1. The examiner documents any additional information obtained during the post-test
interview.
2. The final report is reviewed for accuracy and submitted to the requesting party.
2. Closing the Examination Process
1. All polygraph charts, notes, and recordings are securely stored.
2. The case is officially closed unless follow-up testing is required.