PSYCHOLOGY OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

Psychology of the Lying Person

The polygraph technique uses the principle that the bodily functions of a person are
influenced by his mental state. The physiological changes accompanying deception are capable
of being recorded, measured and interpreted with reasonable certainty.

Telling a lie is usually an emotional experience. A conscious act of lying causes the mind of the
examinee, which produces an emotion of fear or anxiety, manifested by fluctuations in pulse
rate, blood pressure, breathing and perspiration. The physiologic fluctuations that come with the
emotion are in nature automatic, self-regulating and beyond conscious control because they
affect the functioning of the internal structures that prepare the body for emergency.

The underlying psychology here includes:

1. The lying person fears detection, causing physiological changes to take place in his
body.
2. Fear of detection must be experienced by the subject; otherwise, no physiological
changes will occur.
3. A person “tunes in” that which indicates trouble or danger by having his sense organs
and attention for a particular stimulus, and he “tunes out “that which is of a lesser threat
to his self-preservation or general well-being.
4. In a series of questions containing relevant and control questions, the lying subjects will
“tune in” on the most intense relevant questions and “tune out “the control question and
may not be materially affected by other weak relevant questions.
5. The truthful subject will direct his attention to the control question wherein he
consciously knows he is deceptive and “tune out” the relevant ones.

Ultimate objective of conducting Polygraph Examination

▪ The ultimate objective of Polygraph Examination is to obtain the Subject’s

“ADMISSION or CONFESSION” of the offense committed.

General Purposes of using Polygraph

Polygraph Examination is generally used an investigative aid/technical aid in the

investigative process. It is used to verify if the statement of the victims/complainant, establish
the credibility of the witnesses, evaluates the truthfulness of the suspects. It is also used for
preemployment screening and loyalty check of personnel.

Generally, it deals with

1. Security risk – Leakage of Information Intelligence and Counterintelligence.

2. Criminal Law Infraction – Murder, Robbery, Theft, Rape etc.
3. Personnel Screening
 4. Misconduct
5. Medical Measurements
Importance of Polygraph to a Law Enforcer

1. Most effective way of establishing the truth.

2. Guilt is separated from truth (guilty separated from innocent)
3. If scientifically determined (lie) the investigator can evaluate the evidence.
4. Saves time, efforts and money
5. Measures the efficiency and effectiveness of the law enforcer.

Accuracy of the Polygraph Examination

▪ This has been the unending question among many of us. However, practitioners have
agreed that the accuracy of the polygraph results ranges from 85% to 100% depending upon
the factors that affect it.
Factors Affecting Accuracy of Polygraph Examination Results

▪ Generally, the following are factors affecting polygraph examination accuracy:

1. The instrument.
2. The condition of the Subject.
3. The condition of the examination room.
4. The qualification and skills of the examiner.

▪ Specifically, the 25% errors of lie detection test come from the following circumstances:

1. Nervousness or extreme emotional tension experienced by a subject who is telling the

truth regarding the offense in question but who is nevertheless affected by:

a. Apprehension induced by the mere fact that suspicion or accusation has been
directed against him.
b. Apprehension over the possibility of an inaccurate lie detector test result.
c. Over-anxiety to cooperate in order to assure an accurate test result.
d. Apprehension concerning possible physical hurt from the instrument.
e. Anger resentment over having to take a lie detector test.
f. Over-anxiety regarding serious personal problems unrelated to the offense under
investigation.
g. Previous extensive interrogation, especially when accompanied by physical
abuse.
h. A guilt complex or fear of detection regarding some other offense which he had
committed.

2. Physiological abnormalities such as:

 a. Excessively high or excessive low blood pressure.
b. Diseases of the heart.
c. Respiratory disorder
3. Mental Abnormalities such as

a. Feeblemindedness as in idiots, imbeciles and morons.

b. Psychosis or insanities, as in maniac-depressives, paranoids, schizophrenia,
paretic, etc.
c. Psychoneurosis and psychopathia, as among the so-called “peculiar” or
emotionally unstable persons – those who are neither psychotic or normal.

4. Unresponsiveness in a lying or guilty subject because of:

a. No fear of detection.
b. Apparent inability to consciously control response by means of certain mental
sets of attitudes.
c. A condition of “sub-shock” or “adrenal exhaustion” at the time of test.
d. Rationalization of the crime in advance of the test to such an extent that lying
about the offense arouses little or no emotional disturbance.
e. Extensive interrogation prior to the test.

5. Attempt to “beat the machine” by controlled breathing or by muscular flexing.

6. Unobserved application of muscular pressure which produces ambiguities and

misleading indications in the blood pressure tracing.

Limitations of the Polygraph

1. It is an invaluable investigative aid, but never a substitute for investigation.

2. It is not a lie detector; it is a scientific diagnostic instrument.
3. It does not determine facts; it record responses to that which the subject knows to be
true.
4. It is only as accurate as the examiner is competent.
5. The test will not be given until enough facts have been established to permit the
examiner to prepare a complete set of suitable questions.
6. The test will not be given without the voluntary consent of the subject.
7. No indication will be given to any person or placed in any report that a person will be
considered guilty because he refused to take the test.
8. A test will not be given until the accusations have been explained with the subject.
9. No attempt to use Polygraph for mental or physical evaluation of any person.
10. No examination will be conducted on unfit subject.

Barriers to the Polygraph Examination

 There are instances where it is impossible to make an analysis of polygraph tests
because of the following:

1. Pathological liar (a person who cannot determine right and wrong).

2. Mental cases.
3. Persons under the influence of intoxicating liquor.
4. Narcotics related cases.
5. Various heart and other organic troubles.

Problem During Investigation and Interrogation

1. Determination whether subject is telling the truth regarding the crime index investigation.
2. Obtaining admission or confession from a suspect after his guilt has been established. 3.
In cases of witnesses, informer and informant who are in possession of helpful
information who are willing but fearful or reluctant to disclose it to interrogator.

Qualities of a Good Examiner (Backster)

1. To make himself understand and not resented by subject, by his very exposure to him.
2. Ability to establish or create a rapport with the subject.
3. Much investigative experience as possible.
4. Interrogation Experience.
5. Must be deeply involved in his work (even beyond the call of duty).

Who should conduct the Polygraph Test? (Fred Inbau)

1. Good educational background

2. Intelligent and some degree of maturity
3. Possessed with sense of values
4. Adequate period of training under someone who is experienced and skilled in the
technique.

THE POLYGRAPH INSTRUMENT

The instrument used in the proper application of the polygraph technique is essentially a
pneumatically operated mechanical recorder of changes in respiration, blood pressure/pulse
heat supplemented with a unit for recording galvanic skin reflexes, or an additional unit for
recording abdominal respiration; muscular movements and pressures; or a plethysmograph for
recording changes in blood oxygenation. Attachments for the human body comprises of a
rubber convoluted tube for the chest area, a blood pressure arm-cuff on one bicep, and in some
models, an electrode on two fingers or on the palmer side of one hand. These attachments act
as the detectors of the physiological changes and transmit the same to the instrument where it
is connected into mechanical impulses and transformed into tracings of the respiration, blood
pressure and skin resistance or the likes.
How Does the Polygraph Instrument Work?

The polygraph simultaneously records various physiological phenomena by means a

horizontal kymograph. The resulting polygram indicates tracing of external respiration in the
thoraxic and abdominal cavities by means of a pneumograph tambour assembly, systolic and
diastolic contraction of the heart, as well as pulse fluctuations with the resistance of a
sphygmomanometer and psycho-galvanic skin response by means of instrument connected
electronics sensors fixed to the person. Each phenomenon is recorded by a hallow-tube ink
styles moving across horizontally and vertically ruled being driven by a synchronous electronic
motor.

COMPONENTS OF THE POLYGRAPH MACHINE

A. Pneumograph – this occupies the two/upper pens of the instrument which records the
thoracic and abdominal breathing patterns of respiration. This is accomplished through
the use of a pneumograph consisting of two hollow corrugated tubes about seven inches
in length, each attached to a unit by a rubber hose not longer than six feet and not larger
than one quarter inch in diameter. This breathing or pneumo unit is a low-pressure unit.
The inhalation/exhalation of the subject causes the tubes to expand and contract,
thereby reflecting the change through billows to the pen into the chart.

B. Cardiosphymograph – this is the fourth and the bottom pen of the instrument. This
cardio unit is a mechanically operated unit. It is a high-pressure system. This system
records changes in mean blood pressure, rate and strength of pulse beat by means of a
medical blood pressure cuff containing a rubber bladder that is wrapped around the
upper arm, in a manner that places the bladder against the brachial artery. The bladder
is connected to the rubber hose, past a pressure indicating gauge to a very sensitive
billows and its connected lever system that powers the pen. The polygraphist inflates the
bladder with a hand pump to a constant air pressure that will provide tracing amplitude of
0.75 to 1 inch with a dichotic notch situated about the middle of the diastolic limb of the
tracing.

C. Galvanometer – this is the longest and the third pen of the instrument. The electrodes
are attached to the index finger and the ring finger of the left hand, or to the palmar and
dorsal surfaces of the left hand. The electrodes used for obtaining the recording of the
GSR or electro-dermal responses, are fastened to the hand or finger by means of the
passage of an imperceptible amount of electrical current through the hand or finger
bearing the attached electrodes, a galvanometer unit provides recording of the variation
in the flow of the electrical current.

D. Kymograph – This is the chart recording unit of the instrument. It has a synchronized
motor that drives the charts at the rate of six inches per minute and its speed constant is
vital because the vertical lines, which are spaced either at one-half or one-inch interval,
represents five- or ten-seconds interval on the chart. This provides the polygraphist with
a means of determining pulse rater and question spacing.

Detachable Parts and Accessories

 1. KYMOGRAPH or chart driving mechanism

a) Chart roll arbor - Idler roller - Pen table - Paper guides - Sprocket roller -
Cutter bar - Off and on power switch - Synchronous motor

2. Pen and Inking System

a) Capillary pen
b) Ink well plates
c) Ink dropper
d) Cuct bill

3. Pneumograph section

a) Rubber jellows
b) Beaded chain
c) Rubber flexible tubing
d) Pneumograph tube connection
e) Pneumograph connecting tube
f) Pneumograph distributing ink
g) Pneumograph pipe line
h) Vent valve and vent bottom
i) Tambour assembly
j) Sphygmomanometer
k) Resonance control

4. Cardio section:

a) Pump bulb assembly

b) Blood pressure pump connection
c) Blood pressure cuff assembly
d) Connector block
e) Sphygmomanometer pipe line

5. Galvanograph section

a) Hand electrode
b) Electrode jellow
c) Galvanometer
Electrodes and Controls

▪ Resonance Control – It allows you to clear up or make a better pattern when you have
too much pulse pressure of the subject.
 ▪ Hand Electrode – This is fastened to the hand by a stretched band. Function is to make
electrical contact with the subject.

▪ Panel Control – to allow the operator to control or adjust the operation of the
galvanograph.

There are other five important controls:

1. Off and on power switch – on switch is to energize the galvanograph section.

2. Subject’s resistance control – is to balance the galvo section to the skin resistance of the
subject.
3. Reactivity control – to adjust sensitivity of the galvo section.
4. Self-centered normal switch – is to select either mode of operation.
5. Self-centering mode – is when the circuit electronically centers the pen itself after every
excursion.

Control of the cardio-sphygmograph section

1. Manual centering knob – used to place cardio in its proper place on the chart.
2. Vent Valve – is used to left atmospheric pressure into the system and used to release
pressure all or parts of the pressure.
3. Resonance control – is used to decrease the amplitude of the cardio tracing and used to
sharpen the diacrotic notch.

Obtaining Blood Pressure Pattern or Tracing (Cardio)

▪ Pen balance is critical. Pen is to be held on paper by friction of the. Inflate pressure
until you reach subject’s mean pressure. The mean pressure is the midway between the
systolic and the diastolic is the lowest pressure. In order to get the arithmetic mean
pressure, add the diastolic and systolic and the sum divided it by two. To get the
geometric mean pressure, plus diastolic, watch your sphyg-dial when inflating the
pressure, for maximum deflection.

Controls of the Pneumograph Section

1. Manual centering knob – used to position base line of the pneumo tracing on the upper
heavy horizontal line.
2. Vent – with the vent down, the system is closed and inoperative.
With the vent up, the system is open and ready for use.
3. Uses of the vent:

a) To stop the pen between the tests and to prevent possible tambour assembly.
b) To prevent pen from possible jam by moving up or down in one place of the chart
paper.
 c) To stop pen during the tube adjustment.
d) To assists in gaining amplitude.
e) To let atmospheric into the system.

Obtaining Tracings of the Pneumo

▪ First observe subject for point of maximum chest motion. Placed tube at point where
maximum motion is observed. The tube must be smug. A tube that is too loose will result
in a distorted pattern. A tube is too tight will be uncomfortable and distort the pattern.
With female subjects the tube is almost, always placed above the breast. Some females
are abdominal breathers and tubes will have to be lowered.

Causes of reaction on excursion of the pen

1. Sudden noise
2. Interruption
3. Extraneous thoughts
4. Sudden movements

Application of the Electrodes to the subject

▪ Position of hands or tip of fingers for convenience, adjust the sensitivity - Sensitivity test
- Have subject take a deep breath, Touch subject ear or neck, Quick motion within
subject’s line of vision.

Technical Production of the Cardio Tracing

1. The ascending limb – pulse wave causes an expansion of the arterial wall and an
increase surface pressure against the cuff bladder thus forcing air from the bladder
through the tubing into the tambour. The increasing air volume in the tambour increases
pressure against the bellows and forces the bellows forward.

This forward movement provides power to move the pen fork in the attached pen in a
lateral clockwise or upward direction pen in a lateral clockwise or upward direction of the
chart surface.

2. Descending limb – when a pulsed wave passes beyond cuff bladder attendant drop in a
surface pressure against bladder reverses this process permitting the below to return to
or toward its original position. This return of the bellows to its original position is
transmitted to the pen forks and attached pen as a lateral counter clockwise or
downward stoke on chart surface.

3. Diacrotic notch – is cause by the minor secondary pulse wave passing under and
beyond the blood pressure cuff. In the wake of subsiding primary wave which
momentarily halts or slow down the decrease in the surface pressure against the bladder
 in turn causing a hesitation in the bellow movement back to or towards its original
position.

Technical Production of the Pneumograph Tracing

1. Ascending limb – with the expansion of the chest during the inhalation, the air capacity
in the pneumograph tube is increased creating a vacuum within the system, which
reduces the internal surface pressure against the bellow. Thus, moving the bellows
backward causing a lateral clockwise or upward stroke of the pen.

2. Descending limb – cause by the exhalation thus reversing this process causing an
increase in internal surface pressure against the bellows, thus moving the bellow to or
toward its original position and producing a lateral counter-clockwise or a downward
movement of the pen.
Technical Production of the Galvo Tracing

1. The ascending limb – it is caused by the decrease of the subject’s resistance which
throws the established circuit out of balance and modifies the electric current flow
through the magnetic field surrounding the pivot-movement of the recording pen.

2. Descending limb:

a) Physical cause – is caused by a reverse in the subject resistance toward the

original position thus bringing the circuit back to or toward balance again producing a
lateral clockwise or downward movement of the pen.

b) Mechanical cause – the fine coil springs attached to the pivot mountain pen cradle
serve as counter balance for pen movement either above or below the established
base line and assists in returning the pen cradle to or towards the original position.

Computing rate

▪ Graph paper is lined and spaced in seconds. It is moving under pens at a uniform rate
of six inches per minute. Rate is kept uniform through medium of synchronized motor.
From one heavy vertical line constitute a five second period. It is also one-half inch.
Count the beats inside any five seconds scale multiply by twelve. This give the number
of heartbeats at any point in the test. For greater accuracy you count the beats in two
five seconds area multiply by six.

THE EXAMINER

THE SUBJECT

Types or kinds of Subjects for Polygraph Test are:

1. Subject whose guilt is definite or reasonably certain.

 2. Emotional offender
3. Person who commit crimes in the heat of passion
4. Person whose offenses are for accidental in nature
5. Non-Emotional offender
6. Person who commit crimes for financial gain
7. Subject whose guilt is doubtful or uncertain

Three (3) General Types of Subjects

1. Victim or Complainant
2. Witness
3. Suspects

▪ Take Note: All Subjects must be in good physical and mental condition before he/she
may be submitted for polygraph examination. The following may not be submitted for
Polygraph Test:

1. Person who has extreme nervousness

2. Person who has physiological abnormalities such as high blood
pressure/hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disorder, toothaches, severe
headaches and practically any painful ailments.
3. Person with mental abnormalities
4. Unresponsive persons, such as person who suffer mental fatigue or under the
influence of drugs or alcohol.
5. Pregnant woman
6. Person below 18 years of age.

THE EXAMINATION ROOM

1. Lie-detector test should be conducted in a quiet private room.

2. Select a room with none of the usual police surroundings and with no distraction within
the subject’s view.
3. Select a room without any windows at all.
4. The interrogation room should contain no ornaments, pictures or other objects which
would distract the attention of the person being tested or interviewed.
5. This suggestion refers to the presence within the subject’s reach of small loose objects
such as papers, clips or pencils that he may be inclined to pick up and further distract
during the course of the interrogation.

(EFFECT) – Tension relieving activities of this sort detract from the effectiveness of this
interrogation, especially during the critical phase when a guilty subject may be trying
desperately to suppress an urge to confess.

6. Estrange noise such as the ringing of a telephone or the conversation of persons outside
the examination room, of the presence of the arresting officers or other spectators in the
 room itself, may produce disturbances and distractions which will interfere with a
satisfactory diagnosis of deception.

General Considerations in Polygraph Examination

When conducting the polygraph examination:

1. In order to conduct a satisfactory lie-detector test, kit is advisable for the examiner to
obtain from the investigators interested in the case, all the available facts and
circumstances forming the basis of the accusation or suspicion directed against the
person to be examined.
2. This will include, of course, the details of the case itself. Such information is essential to
the examiner so that he will be in a position to know questions should be asked of the
subject during the test.
3. The subject who is about to be tested should be informed of the nature of the test and
purpose of it. The instrument should be pointed out to him as one which is capable of
determining whether or not a person is telling the truth about a given matter. He should
be informed that it records certain bodily changes and that the instrument will not cause
any physical pain except for a slight temporary discomfort occasioned by the blood
pressure cuff.
4. The writer made it a practice, at this point in the proceeding to tell to the subject
somewhat as follows: “If you are telling the truth you have nothing to worry about, this
instrument will indicate you are telling the truth, and I’ll report the fact to the officers who
requested me to make the test. The machine itself will show it; and I’ll tell you so, and
then I’ll ask you to let me hear the truth. That is fair enough, isn’t it? And you don’t mind
taking the test, do you?”
5. Experience has indicated that such statement tends to relieve the emotional tensions in
a person who is telling the truth, and at the same time they offer no relief to the liar.
Moreover, the asking of as regarding the subject’s consent has proved worthwhile in
those cases where the criminal confessions are obtained as a result of the test.

Important Reminders

1. Do not wait until the last minute to ask a person to take the test.
2. Do not tell the subject everything that you know about the offense or about him.
3. Do not fail to investigate the case before you ask a person to take the test.
4. If for some reasons, it must be temporarily taken, the investigator must continue
investigating the case.
5. Do not depend on mass screening of possible suspects to produce a real or the guilty
one.
6. Do not tell anyone that the lie detector will decide whether one is innocent or guilty. The
court will make the decision.
7. If the test indicates that the person did not tell the truth or if the person confesses after
the test, do not think that the investigation is over.
PHASES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

1. PHASE I (PRELIMINARY PREPARATIONS) - Initial Interview with the investigator

handling the case or person requesting it. The group involve in this stage are the Victim /
Complaint, Suspects, Witnesses. This stage includes obtaining and evaluation of facts,
determining the areas the subjects need to be asked and the investigator must furnish
the examiner of the following:

a. Sworn statement of the suspect / witnesses/ victim/ complainant, Incident or spot

report, B.I. of the suspect, witnesses, and victim / complainants, rough sketch or
pictures of the crime scene and other facts such as Specific article and exact
amount of money stolen.
b. Peculiar aspect of the offense or any strange set.
c. Exact time the offense was committed.
d. Known facts about the suspect’s action or movement.
e. Facts indicating any connection between the suspects, victim and witnesses.
f. Exact type of weapon, tool or firearms used.
g. Result of laboratory test.
h. Unpublished facts of the offense known only by the victim, suspects and the
investigator.

2. PHASE II - PRE-TEST INTERVIEW with the subject - The primary purpose of the
pretest interview of to prepare or condition the subject for the test.

a. The appraisal of subject’s constitutional right.

b. Obtain subject’s consent to undergo polygraph test by signing a statement of
consent.
c. The taking of personal data of the subject.
d. Determining his/her suitability as a subject.
e. Evaluating the psychological preparation of the subject.
f. Informing the subject of his involvement with the case.

The following rights of the subject must be informed clearly to him/her:

a. The right to remain silent

b. Anything he/she say may be used in favor or against him/her
c. The right to have a lawyer of his/her own choice
d. Right to refuse

As earlier noted, subjects will not be scheduled for examination when they:

a. are obviously fatigued or in ill health.

b. are physically injured or in pain.
c. their judgment is obviously influenced by or impaired by drugs or alcohol.
 d. have just suffered emotional trauma.

▪ The examiner’s interview with the subject prior to the test is of considerable importance,
both for the purpose of conditioning the subject for the examination and also in order to
provoke and observe the helpful indications of guilt and innocence which are often
forthcoming at this time.

▪ The following is the detailed outline of the pre-test interview which has been found to be
effective. (We are assuming in the case illustrated that the subject has already been
advised of the fact that he is to be given a lie-detector test.)

a. As the examiner enters the waiting room to request the subject to accompany
him into the examination room, the greeting which the examiner extends should
be cordial, but firm.
b. Upon entering the examination room, the subject should be requested to sit down
in a chair alongside the instrument, and immediately thereafter the examiner
should proceed to the taking of the consent of the subject.
c. Then fill up the necessary data asked in the interrogation log.
d. Afterwards inquire from the subject whether he has been on a lie detector test
before. No further comment should be made by the examiner but he should listen
carefully to whatever the subject himself may say.
e. If the subject has not told of the purpose of his appearance in the testing
laboratories, the examiner should explain that a lie detector test is desired of him
as part of the investigation regarding the case. Much time should be spent in the
preliminary interview as the circumstance’s reasonably warrants.

3. PHASE III (THE EXAMINATION/INSTRUMENTAL TEST) – The conduct of

Instrumentation and Actual Test.

After the pre-test interview, the examiner should proceed to place the attachment on the
subject. The first to be attached is Pneumograph, then the Cardiosphymograph and the
Galvanograph. Review all the questions with the subject before the actual examination is made.
The examiner should discourage any comments or statement by the subjects. Test instrument
must be given to the subject.

a. Upon completion of the necessary preliminary preparation the instruments are

attached to the subject.
b. The blood pressure pulse cuff is wrapped around snugly around the subject’s upper
arm and the pneumograph tube adjusted around the chest.
c. If female subjects or around the body, if male subjects or around the torso of male
subjects.
d. The cuff is then inflated to a point approximate midway between the systolic and
diastolic blood pressure. That is midway between the pressure produced by the
output action of the heart and that maintained at the time of the heart’s intake action.
e. The synchronous motor carrying the paper upon which blood pressure pulse
respirations recording are made is then set in motion, the motor being so timid that
 the paper moves along at the rate of a out six inches per minute, then ten to fifteen
seconds after the instrument has been set in motion, the inked filled pens of the
instruments are permitted to make their blood pressure pulse respiration tracings
before the question are asked of the subject.
f. During the test period the subject is informed that he will be asked several questions
which should be answered by either yes or no answers, and that they are so brief
and to the point.
g. Approximately five to ten seconds after this instruction first question is asked and
then the other questions follow after or at the interval of fifteen or twenty seconds.

▪ Take Note: The questions may be written in advance of the test or in the course of the test
during the intervals between the asking of each question. The phraseology of the test
question is an extremely important aspect of the examination. The questions, and every
word used in the questions must be unambiguous, unequivocal, and thoroughly
understandable by the subject. The questions must be states as simply as possible, and
with a complete avoidance of such double inquires as “Did you shoot him and then run
into the house”? All questions must have only a single, unambiguous meaning. Avoid
lengthy questions and avoid legal terms such as rape, murder, embezzlement, etc.

▪ Limiting Scope of Questions - the relevant test questions used in any examination
should be confined to a single case investigation. The Polygraph technique is not
effective for stimulation testing regarding two or more unrelated occurrences. With all the
gadgets attached to the body of the subject, the instrument will start running by applying
pressure on a button. The subject then will be asked to answer the following standard
test questions:

a. Irrelevant questions (unleaded/immaterial questions) – these are questions

which have no bearing to the case under investigation.

b. Relevant questions (leaded/material questions) – these are questions pertaining

to the issue under investigation. It is equally important to limit the number of relevant
questions to avoid discomfort to the subject. Relevant questions must be very
specific to obtain an accurate result.

c. Control questions – These are questions unrelated to the matter under

investigation but are of similar nature although less serious as compared to those
relevant questions under investigation. The use of control question is considered by
many polygraphists to be the most reliable and effective questioning technique.
These are usually asked if there is doubt in the interpretation of the subject’s
response to relevant and irrelevant questions.

4. PHASE IV – POST–TEST INTERVIEW/ INTERROGATION - This includes all

consideration that bears on the examination. This is done just after the instrument is
turned off. If the Polygraph test result indicates deception, the examiner will then
proceed to conduct short interrogation. The purpose of which is to obtain confession.
However, if the Polygraph indicates that the subject is innocent; the examiner will just
release the subject cordially and thanks him/ her for his/her cooperation.
 The purposes of further questioning after the test are:

a. to clarify the findings;

b. to learn if there are any other reasons for the subject’s responding to a relevant
question, other than the knowledge of the crime; and
c. to obtain additional information and an admission for law enforcement purposes, if
the results suggest deception.

TEST CONSTRUCTION AND PROCEDURES

The polygraph test consists of asking the subject/ person though the transducer of the
instrument, a list of prepared questions in a planned sequence; comprising of not more than
twelve. 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.

There are two general types of questions to be constructed and maybe supplemented by
other types of questions:

1. General Question Test – most commonly applied.

2. Peak-of-Tension Test – usually used as supplementary test.

There are five set of tests that maybe applied:

Test I – General Question Test - Purposes: To get the standard tracing of the subject and to
establish a true telling pattern for the initial part of the record.
Test II – Number Test (Psychological Test) - To check the possible deliberate distortion when
the chosen number is asked and to obtain a chart wherein the subject is not under
stress.
Test III – Spot Responder - To determine the responsiveness of the subject to crucial question
on spot responses.
Test IV – Mix Question - To compare the degree of reaction between control and relevant
question.
Test V – Silence Answer Test (SAT) - It is a confirmatory test with the silence answer test.

General Question Test (GQT)

This consists of a series of Relevant & Irrelevant Questions asked in a planned order.
Questions are so arranged as to make possible a comparison of responses to relevant
questions with a subject’s norm made during the answering of irrelevant questions. There are
other types of questions asked in the GQT:

Weak Relevant Question – it concerns some secondary element of the crime or problem
and deals with mostly in guilty knowledge and partial involvement.
 a. Strong Relevant Question – it is defined as verbal stimulus of primary important
projected in the form of a question which overcome the psychological excitement level
and causes pneumograph, cardiosphygmograph, and galvanograph tracings changes
from the subject’s physiological norms.

b. Evidence Connecting Question – it is designed to stimulate the guilty subject and

focus his attention on the probability of incriminating proof that would tend to establish
his guilt.

c. Knowledge Question – this question is designed or begun to probe whether the subject
possess information regarding the identity of the offender, the location of evidences or
items of secondary element of the case.

There are rules to be followed in the formulation of questions such as the following:

1. Questions must be simple and direct.

2. They must not involve legal terminology such as rape, murder, etc.
3. They must be answerable by yes or no and should short as possible.
4. Must be short as possible.
5. Their meaning must be clear and unmistakable phrase in a language that the
subject can easily understand.
6. They must not be in the form of accusation.
7. Question must never contain an inference which presupposes knowledge on the
part of the subject.
8. All questions must refer to one offense only.
9. All questions must refer to only one element of an offense.
10. Must not contain interferences to one’s religion, race or belief.

General Question Test (GQT) Sample

1. Have you ever been called by the name Allan? (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. Were you one of those who robbed the SM/ Shoemart 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 ConnectingRelevant)
9. Do you know of anyone involved in the robbery at SM/ Shoemart 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

▪ 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.

▪ Fishing Expedition Test Question – Used to vagrants or loiters for routine interrogation.
No idea about what offense has been committed. Examples: a. Have you ever been
arrested before? b. Are you wanted anywhere now by the police? c. Have you stolen
anything since you have been in tour?

SUPPLEMENTARY TESTS

Aside from the standard tests described above, the following special tests may be performed
and incorporated as part of the procedure or may be used as supplementary tests depending
upon the result of the standard test in order to draw a better conclusion.

▪ 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
possibly 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
and the perpetrator who would naturally be in possession of such unpublicized
knowledge will usually exhibit a rise in the tracing up to that particular question followed
by a decline thereafter, caused by the relief of knowing that a dreaded question
dangerous to his well-being, is past.

Examples of Peak-of-Tension Test:

a. Do you know whether the stolen watch from Allan is a Seiko?

(This is an introductory phrase plus padding question)
b. Is it an Omega? (Padding)
c. Is it a Rolex? (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 the 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. However, no
conclusion can be drawn if the response to added guilt complex is similar to the real
issue questions.

▪ Silent Answer Test (SAT) - this test is conducted in the same manner as when relevant
and control questions are asked but the subject is instructed to answer the questions
silently, to himself, without making any verbal response causes distortion in the tracing
such as sniff or clearing the throat.

Kinds of Specific Testing

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.
This material fact, whether it be particular sum of money, a particular make of weapon,
etc. is inserted into test comprising a list of similar items, the examinee is tested to
determine his guilty knowledge.

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.

STEPS OF CHAIN REACTION PRODUCING VISUAL RESPONSE

a. Step 1 - stimuli
b. Step 2 - absorption of the stimuli by the body senses which consist of hearing, seeing,
smelling, feeling, testing and extra-sensory faculties.
c. Step 3 - complicated process that takes place in human being manifested itself in what is
called emotion.
d. Step 4 - action of the automatic nervous system
e. Step 5 - actual physiological changes that takes place within the body as a result of the
autonomic nervous system and the well of the subject.
f. Step 6 - final occurrence in the reaction chain (electro dermal response)
Deception Detection Traced on Body Response

▪ Voluntary Response - Include those over which the subject has definite control and
include breathing rate and amplitude. Eye movements, facial expressions, muscular
movements-contraction and relaxation, oral or implied answers, and the expressions of
stipulated emotions.

▪ Semi-Voluntary Response - Include metabolism changes emotional expression’s reaction

time in replies and eye-movements. The average subject has some control over these.

▪ Involuntary Response - Include electro dermal response, perspiration rates, adrenaline

flow rates, blood pressure and pulse rate chemical changes of the body fluids,
psychological reactions, brain electrical currents, saliva flow rates, body temperature
changes, genuine emotion, face color changes, tremor and polarization of body currents.
The average subject has no control over these phenomena.

PHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF DETECTING DECEPTION

▪ Blood Pressure and Heart Beat Frequency - Increase of blood pressure and heartbeat
frequency following relevant questions and the suppression in breathing are the criteria for
detecting deception.

Ink curves as shown on the heartbeat recorded on a moving graph paper of a

polygraph represent the beat frequency (pulse) and the two pressures (blood
pressures)

Systolic or high pressure - They exist when the heart is contracted and the values
are open with the blood rushing into the arteries

Diastolic or Low pressure - This exists when the values are closed and the heart
relaxed.

Take Note: Normal blood pressure is 120/80

The heart is an automatic organ that continues to bat even when removed from the
body of provided with proper blood. The rate and force of the heart beat as regulated
by two sets of nerves:

a. sympathetic set - which accelerate the beat and

b. the cranial Autonomic system - which retard the beat. It is also known that
adrenaline - a certain hormone increases the heartbeat frequency.

▪ Breathing as a means of detecting deception. Breathing consists of two steps:

Inspiration - caused by the contraction of the diaphragm and expansion of the chest
cavity those results in the air rushing into the lungs.
 Expiration – caused by a relaxation of the diaphragm and contraction of the chest cavity
resulting in the air rushing out of the lungs.

Take Note: The following affects the breathing rates:

1. muscular exercise (muscle movement/jogging)
2. anticipation of muscular exercise (thinking to perform heavy work)
3. recalling mentally emotional experience
4. mental activity
5. anxious expectancy
6. shock
7. surprise

▪ Electrodermal Response - this is the most current popular name for the human body
phenomenon in which the body, mainly the skin, changes resistance electrically upon the
application of certain external stimuli. It consists of two categories - Normal Response
and the Abnormal Response. Examples of abnormal responses are:

1. Machine Fright Response - Interference abnormal response that originates in

Step 2 (fright to the machine) of the reaction chain or situational fright. It appears
on the first question or so and no longer appears throughout the test.

2. Physical Movement Response - Interfering response caused by voluntary

physical movement by the subject during the lie test and is found between steps
4 and 5 of the reaction chain. The result of such physical movement causes
physiological (muscle) changes to take place within the body that shows up
electrodermal response.

3. Outside Interference Response - Interfering response originating in step 1 of

the reaction chain in the form of unwanted auditory or stimuli. The slamming of
the door or the ringing of telephone, a cough or sneeze by spectators in the room
or any unusual noise to which the subject is not accustomed at the location, will
usually produce outside interference response.

4. Mental Tie-up Response - Interfering response which originates between step 2

(machine fright) and step 3 (emotion) in the reaction chain. Other name is guilt
complex.

5. Deception Response - Abnormalities as a result of telling a lie (more on

psychological and such also is accompanied by physical changes).

CHART MARKING

To facilitate evaluation and interpretation of test charts, markings are made with the use of
signs and symbols to enable the examiner to 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. Corresponding
identification of the question, and the type and time of answer given by the
subject
4. duration and amplitude of reaction patterns
5. any instruction given or repetition of question made
6. any movement, cough tracing by the suspect or outside distractions that occurred
7. mechanical adjustment or re-adjustment made
8. extraneous factors affecting test chart such as paper jams
9. time interval between questions; and
10. 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 of the examiner on the chart

XX / 60 / 1.5 A examiner’s mark after the test
X starts of the test
XX end of the test
60 millimeters of mercury in sphygmomanometer
1.5 amount of skin electrical resistance
A or M automatic or manual galvo amplifier used
| | point where each question begins and ends
+ yes, answer to question
▪ no, answer to question
A adjustment
T subject talked with single Yes or No
R subject request for repetition of question
C coughed
N noise
S sigh by the subject
PJ paper jammed
SN subject sniffed
 BI breathing instruction
OS tracing changed caused by outside stimulus
M movement
MI movement instruction
L laughed
B used to signify belch
C+ increase in galvo sensitivity
C- decrease in galvo sensitivity
Y yawned
IS ink stop
CT clearing of throat

CHART INTERPRETATION

▪ The accuracy of instrumental detection of deception is dependent upon the

examiner’s ability to diagnose truth or deception by reading and interpreting a subject’s
charts. The polygraph chart is the composite record of the pneumograph, cardiograph
and galvanograph tracing from one series of questions. The chart is ruled vertically to
represent time element at an interval of either in second, five seconds of ten seconds
division and horizontally in fractions of ¼ inch for amplitude measurements. There are
three heavy spaced horizontal lines that serve as the guideline for the 3 tracings. The
motor that pills the chart under the recording pens has a constant speed of either 6 or 12
inches per-minute. A single test may consist of three or more charts taken from one
series of questions.

▪ The pneumograph tracing normally, found at the top of the chart, is a record of a
subject’s respiratory action during the questioning process and is classified as normal or
abnormal. 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. The classification of abnormal is generally applied to those patterns that deviate
from the norm established by the individual.

▪ Descriptive types of breathing are:

a. Normal; Rapid; Slow; Shallow; Deep; Serrated inhalation / or both;

b. Deviations caused by coughing and mechanics of answering

▪ Pneumograph changes from the individual norm which may be indicative of

deception are:

a. Change in rhythm or regularity

b. Change in amplitude or volume
c. Change in the inhalation / exhalation ratio
d. Notched or serrated inhalation / exhalation strokes
e. Change of base line
 f. Loss of base line
g. Hyperventilation
h. Suppression
i. Respiratory block

▪ The galvanograph tracing, normally located at the center position - If the chart, when
properly balanced takes from of as lightly wavering line across the middle portion of the
chart with a minor response to spoken stimuli. Galvanic tracings which may be
indicative of deception are:

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

▪ The cardiosphygmograph tracing normally found at the bottom of the chart, is the
three physiological phenomena, a systolic stroke, a diastolic stroke and a dichotic notch.
Normal pulse rate of the average individual is 72 to 80 beats per minute and may vary
due to the emotional tone of the subject. Amplitude or volume is also subject to variation
and dictated by the physiological structure of the person and the cuff pressure.

Tracing taking the form of specific responses indicative of deception are:

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 dichotic notch

5. Extra systoles (premature contradiction of an auricle or ventricle while
fundamental rhythm of the heart is maintained)

▪ In the interpretation and analysis of charts taken in a Peak of Tension Test, the
following area considered in the evaluation of the level tracings:

1. An increase or decrease to point of deception then a level tracing.

2. An increase to point of deception and an increase
3. A decrease to point of deception and then an increase
4. Level tracing to point of deception and then a decrease or increase
5. Erratic to point of deception and then an erratic tracing
6. Smooth to point of deception and then an erratic tracing
7. Any changes that may occur at point of deception

▪ Other factors; that specific response to be considered as possible deception in chart

evaluation
 1. Distribution of reactions
2. Degree of reactions
3. Trend of gross curve
4. Rate of change of the curve
5. Latent period of reaction
6. Duration of reaction

▪ For an effective chart interpretation, the following rules must be followed:

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.

THE LEGAL ASPECT OF POLYGRAPHY

▪ When does the Polygraph Result is Admissible in Court?

a. When the examination is conducted upon a court order.

b. When business suffers economic loss and the employee of that business who
refuses the exam is implicated.
c. When the polygraph is made a condition or precedent to employment in continuous
employment.
d. When the nature of the subject’s relation to the public so demand. (Public Trust is
paramount).

▪ What Law or Jurisprudence gives the Basis of Admissibility?

a. The first appellate court decision upon the admissibility the results of a deception test
was rendered in 1923 by a federal court in Fry V. United States, in which the
accused (on trial for murder) offered as evidence the results of a Marston “systolic”
blood pressure” test. The trial court refused to permit Dr. Marston to testify
concerning his results, and upon appeal this ruling was affirmed. The reason which
impelled the court to arrive at the conclusion of inadmissibility are very clearly stated
in the following except from its reported opinion.

b. Ten years after the Fry case decision the Wiscons Supreme Court was called upon
to consider the admissibility of the results of a Polygraph examination. In this case,
State V. Bohner, defense counsel offered to prove that the results of a Polygraph
examination established the truthfulness of the defendant’s alibi to a robbery charge,
which offer the trial court refused. Upon appeal the Wiscons in Supreme Court
sustained the trial court’s ruling and held that although the Polygraph technique may
have some utility at present, or may ultimately be of great value in the administration
 of justice a too hasty acceptance of it during this stage of its development may be
assumed to have.”

c. Two cases regarding the admissibility of the results of tests conducted with a
galvanic skin reflex recorder were decided by the New York court in 1938. One of
the cases, People V. Kenny, was a trial court decision; the other, People V. forte, a
decision of New York’s highest court, the Court of Appeals.

d. In the Kenny case the defendant (on trial of robbery) offered in evidence the
testimony of the late Father Summers of Fordham University regarding the results of
a test conducted with a galvanometer. Over the objection of the prosecuting
attorney, the trial court admitted the evidence and permitted the jury to consider the
witness opinion as to the defendant’s innocence or guilt.

e. The court in the Kenny case apparently was impressed with Father Summer’s
assertion to the effect that this “pathometer” was “effectively 100 percent efficient.”
Moreover, the effect of the Kenny case must view in the light of the latter and more
authoritative decision of the New York Court of Appeals in the Forte case.

f. In the case the defendant (on trial for murder) requested the court’s permission to be
tested on the same instrument and by the same examiner (Summers) as in the
Kenny case. This request was denied on the ground that despite the view taken by
the court in the Kenny case, the validity of such a test judicial acceptance. Upon
appeal the trial court’s ruling was affirmed by the New York Court of Appeals.

COLLATERAL ASPECT OF POLYGRAPHY

▪ Pre-employment Screening – it provides a safe method in verifying statements of a job

applicant, prevent false evaluation and false judgment as reported by previous employer
who carry a personal grudge against him Done when the subject is applying for a job.

▪ Periodic Screening – conducted to organic employees only, act as constant deterrent to

employee’s dishonesty and create a bond of mutual strength among employees. We call
it as personnel check.

▪ Advantages of pre-employment screening for the employee

1. Prevent false evaluation and unfair judgment due to personality conflicts reported by
a previous supervisor or employer.
2. It does away with lengthy waiting while employment application is being check,
telephone, telegram or letter.
 3. Eliminate the potential hazard of a person knowing to work alongside with other who
might endanger their live or job security.
4. Provides a safe method for a person to be cleared of unwarranted suspicion and
unjust accusation and malicious gossip.
5. It will create a bond of mutual strength between employees.
6. It creates a desire for incentives

▪ Advantages of the pre-employment screening for employer

1. Provides an accurate method, whereby the employment background of an applicant

and relevant issues collateral thereto can be immediately checked and verify at a
negligible cost.
2. Detect the chronic alcoholic job jumper and accident-prone person.
3. Reveals some of the unusual aspect concerning the psychologically mal-adjusted
agitator amateur and professional theft in private industry.
4. Reduces costly personnel turnover by helping management put the right person on
the job and ascertaining an applicant attitude toward job permanent.
5. Acts as constant deterrent to employee dishonesty and permit basically honest
employee to work in greater harmony with basically honest employee.
THE WORD ASSOCIATION TEST

▪ Lists of stimulus and non-stimulus word are read to the subject who is instructed to answer
as quickly as possible. The answers to the question may be “yes” or “no”. Unlike the lie
detector, the time interval between the words uttered by the examiner and the answer to
the question is recorded

▪ When the subject is asked questions with reference to his name, address, civil status,
nationality, etc. which has no relation to the subject-matter of the investigation, the
tendency is to answer quickly. But when the questions bear some words which have to
do with the criminal act the subject allegedly committed, like knife, gun or hammer which
was used in the killing, the tendency is to delay the answer.

▪ The test is not concerned with the answer, be it a “yes” or “no”. The important factor is the
time of response in relation to stimulus or non-stimulus words.

▪ Like the use of the lie detector, the subject cannot be compelled to be subjected to the test
without consent.

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS EVALUATOR (PSE)

▪ When a person speaks, there are audible voice frequencies, and superimposed on these
are the inaudible frequency modulations which are products of minute oscillation of the
muscle of the voice mechanism. Such oscillations of the muscles or micro tremor occur
at the rate of 8 to 14 cycles per second and controlled by the central nervous system.
 ▪ When a person I under stress as when he is lying, the micro tremor in the voice utterance
is moderately or completely suppressed. The degree of suppression varies inversely to
the degree of psycho logic stress on the speaker.

▪ The psychological stress evaluator (PSE) detects, measures, and graphically displays the
voice modulations that we cannot hear. When a person is relaxed and responding
honestly to the question, those inaudible frequencies are registered clearly on the
instrument. But when a person is under stress, as when he is lying, these frequencies
tend to disappear.

▪ Basic Procedure

a. The examiner meets the requesting party to determine the specific purpose of the
exanimation and to begin formulation of relevant questions.
b. A pre-test interview is conducted with the subject to help him or her feel at ease with
the examiner, to provide an opportunity to specify matters, to eliminate outside
issues, and to review questions that will be asked.
c. An oral test of about 12 to 15 “yes” or “no” questions is given which is recorded on a
tape recorder. The questions are a mixture of relevant an irrelevant question.
d. Immediately following the test or are a late time, the tape is processed through the
Psychological Stress Evaluator for analysis of answer.
e. If stress is indicated, the subject is given authority to provide additional clarification. A
retest is given to verify correction and clarification.

▪ Advantages of Psychological Stress Evaluator over the Lie Detector Machine

a. It does not require the attachment of sensors to the person being tested.
b. The testing situation need not be carefully controlled to eliminate outside distraction
c. Normal body movement is not restricted.

DRUGS THAT “INHIBIT THE INHIBITOR”

▪ Administration of truth serum - the term “truth serum” is a misnomer. The procedure
does not make someone tell the truth and the thing administered is not a serum but is
actually a drug. In the test, byosine hydro bromide is given hypodermically in repeated
doses until a state of delirium is induced.

▪ Narcoanalysis or Narcosynthesis - this method of deception detection is practically the

same as that of administration of truth serum. The only difference is the drug used.
Psychiatric sodium amytal o sodium pentothal is administered to the subject. When the
effects appear, questioning starts. It is claimed that the drug causes depression of the
inhibitory mechanism of the brain and the subject talks freely. The administration of the
drug and subsequent interrogation must be done by a psychiatrist with a long experience
on the line. Like the administration of truth serum, the result of the test is not admissible
in court.
 ▪ Intoxication with alcohol - the apparent stimulation effect of alcohol is really the result of
the control mechanism of the brain, so alcohol, like truth serum, and narcoanalytic drugs
“inhibit the inhibitor”. The ability of alcohol to reveal the real person behind the mad
which all of us are said to wear “mask of sanity” is reflected in the age-old maxim, “in
vino veritas” - in wine there is truth.

HYPNOSIS

▪ It is the alternation of consciousness and concentration in which the subject manifests

a heightened of suggestibility while awareness is maintained. Not all persons are
susceptible to hypnotic induction. The hypnotic state is characterized by:

a. That it is a comfortable state or complete relaxation in which the subject will

readily and willingly to cooperate in every way with the hypnotizer.
b. That it is not actually a sleep.
c. That the subject will do whatever he is told to do.
d. That the hypnotizer will not order him to do anything injurious.
e. After the test, the subject will wake up with feeling of comfort and refreshment.
The result of this method is not acceptable in court due to the following reasons:

a. It lacks the general scientific acceptance of the reliability of hypnosis per in

ascertaining the truth from falsity.
b. The fear that the truer of fact will give uncritical and absolute reliability to a
scientific device without consideration of its flaw in ascertaining veracity.
c. The possibility that the hypnotized subject will deliberately fabricate.
d. The prospect that the state of heightened suggestibility in which the hypnotized
subject is suspended will produce distortion of the fact rather than the truth.
e. The state of the mind and professionalism of the examiner are too subjective to
permit admissibility of the expert testimony.

OBSERVATION

▪ Good Criminal Investigator - he must be keen observer and a good psychologist. A

subject under stress on account of the stimulation of sympathetic nervous system may
exhibit changes which may be used as a potential clue of deception. One or a
combination of the following signs and symptoms is not conclusive or a reliable proof of
guilt of the subject, their presence only infers further investigation to ascertain the truth
of the impression.

▪ Signs or Clues of Deception

a. Swearing to God
b. Failure of subject to look straight into examiner eyes.
c. Rapid movements of Adam’s apple among males. Hysteria among females or
woman.
d. Shedding tears of both sexes.
e. Arrogance or indifference to interrogation.
f. Biting upper and lower lips after a hot stimulus is given.
g. Changes on the color of the face.
h. Complete and total denial of the case under investigation. Questioning accuracy
on the polygraph machine.
i. Sarcastic laugh of the subject, force laugh of the subject.
j. Restlessness of the subject, show of the unnecessary movements of legs and
head.
k. Changing seats from chair to chair, frequent excuses to go to the comfort room.
l. Asking the examiner for a drink or a smoke.
m. Over perspiration despite of an air-conditioned room.
n. Answering questioning by beating around the hush when questioning and
answered yes or no.
o. Asking the examiner to repeat the question although propounded clearly.
p. Asking counter remark who me.
q. Making reference to prominent people and mutual friends.
r. Shifting blame to someone else.
s. Pointing the guilt to other.
t. Refusal to submit to polygraph examination. Consenting to polygraph
examination but refuse to sign the consent (written).

▪ Physiological and Psychological Signs and Symptoms of Guilt

a. Sweating, color change, dryness of the mouth

b. Excessive activity of the Adam’s apple, fidgeting, “peculiar feeling inside”
c. Swearing in the truthfulness and assertion
d. Inability to look at the investigator “straight in the eye”
e. “Not that I remember” expression