= polygraph machine is not a lie detector machine.

= the accuracy of the machine is directly proportion

LIE DETECTION AND INTERROGATION to the credibility of the examiner.
TEST PROCEDURE AND DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUE = cannot be used for diagnostic purposes.
 Nature of Polygraph 2. Use of Alcoholic Beverages
Polygraph is an instrument that is used for instrumental interrogation, it does = the subject is made to drink hard liquor in such a
not and cannot detect lies, and it is incapable of drawing or reporting any mount that would make him lose control or
conclusion. It is constructed and designed to assist a qualified examiner in inhibitions.
arriving a diagnostic opinion. = information gathered through this method is not
The term POLYGRAPH literally means, “multiple writing”, and is now admissible in court.
often connected to the term “lie detector”. It is an instrument for recording 3. Narco-Analysis Test/Administration of Truth Serum
several pulsations (as of physiological variables) simultaneously = use of narcotic or anaesthetic drug.
 What is diagnostic? = drugs injected hypodermically or intravenously.
What comes out of polygraph examiner’s mind is a supposition of = dangerous and not admissible.
diagnostic opinion. The value of polygraph is directly proportionate to the 4. Word Association Test
training and skills of the examiner. An examiner is a fallible human being = group of words, objects or photographs will be
subject to error. We must concede that the examiner can be wrong. presented.
= time pressure.
Thomas Jefferson (first man to used the word “polygraph”) This was first devised by F. Galton in 1870 and later
Polygraph machine is a sensitive machine which is likened or was modified and improved by others such as Munsterberg,
compared to an X-ray, which requires proper interpretation for Orosland, Luria and Jung. In the Galton’s technique there are two
validation and its accuracy is said to be directly proportional to the main criteria for detecting indications of deception and these are:
knowledge, skills, education, desire, competency and integrity of the (1) Incriminating answer words, and (2) Delayed answer.
operator. Hence, the attitude of “let’s put them on the lie box” should 5. Use of Hypnotism
be firmly discouraged. = information gathered through this method is also
Definition of terms: not admissible in court.
1. Admission = is a statement of facts, partial acknowledgement of Development of the Polygraph
guilt and usually given with some justification or exemplification A. Cardiosphygmograph
in admitting. a. Cesare Lombroso (1895)
2. Confession = direct acknowledgement of guilt or a statement of Credited to be the first to conceived the idea of
guilt. utilizing scientific lie detection
3. Deception = is the act of deceiving or misleading usually b. Angelo Mosso (1895)
accompanied by lying. Utilized a scientific cradle and focus on the
4. Diastolic blood pressure = refers to the downward blood pressure importance of fear as a strong influence to
representing the low pressure to the closing of the valves and deception
heart relaxed. c. William M. Marston (1915)
5. Dicrotic notch = refers to the short horizontal notch in a cardio- He made used of a sphygmomanometer and focus
tracing located at the middle of the diastolic stem. on the importance of the Systolic Blood pressure.
6. Electrodermal response = it refers to human body phenomenon in He also devised the discontinuous technique in
which the skin changes resistance electrically upon the questioning.
application of certain external stimuli. Also referred to a Psycho d. John A. Larson (1921)
galvanic skin reflex or galvanic skin response. Devised the so-called “Bread Lie Detector”, a
7. Emotion = it refers to an emotional response to specific danger scientific instrument capable of simultaneously
that appears to be beyond a persons defensive power. recording changes in blood pressure, pulse beat
8. Environment = is the sum total of the dissimulation that a person and respiration.
acquired from the time he was conceived and his exposure to his B. Galvanograph
surroundings. a. Sticker
9. Heredity = is the transmission of physical and mental traits of the Works on the galvanograph component and study the
parents to their offspring through the genes. influence of the sweat glands to skin resistance.
10. Interview = simple questioning of one who is willing and b. Veraguth
cooperative. Formulated the term Psycho-galvanic skin reflex
11. Interrogation = forceful questioning of a person who is reluctant to following the study of sticker
divulge information. c. Richard O. Arthur
12. Lying = is the act of uttering or conveying falsehood or creating a The person who developed a polygraph machine with
false or misleading impression with the intention of affecting two galvanic skin resistance.
wrongfully. C. Pneumograph
13. Normal response = refers to any activity or inhibition of a previous A. Vittorio Bennussi
activity of an organism or part of the organism resulting from Focus on the formulation of the Inhalation and
stimulation. Exhalation ratio.
14. Ordeal = refers to the oldest form of crime detection done by b. Harold Burtt
subjecting a subject to an obstacle or trial and sometimes even Considered respiration as a weak basis in
involving third degree. determining deception and incorporate the systolic blood
15. Specific response = refers to the response given by the subject pressure to respiration.
which considered a deviation from the normal tracing or norms of D. Keymograph
the subject. Leonarde Keeler
16. Stimulus = refers to any force or motion coming from the Developed the kymograph machine and the Keeler’s
environment and which reach an organism has the tendency to Polygraph in the year 1926 as one of the great advancement
arouse. to the development of the polygraph machine.
17. Systolic Blood pressure = the upward blood pressure as the apex
of the curve caused by the contraction of the heart, valves are OTHER PERSONALITIES:
open and blood is rushing into the arteries. John E. Reid – Developed the Reid Polygraph with an incorporation of
muscular resistance compare to the Keelers and the Stoelting. Also
Ayur Vida = a hindu book of science and health around 500B.C. developed the SAT test and Control Question Test.
Considered as an earliest known reference to a method of detecting Francis Galton = Formulated the Word Association test.
deception. Cleve Backster = Formulated the Numerical Scoring on the polygraph
Scientific Methods of Detecting Deception chart and standardizing quantitative polygraph technique.
1. Polygraph test Sir James Mackenzie = a heart specialist who published in two British
= aid and not a substitute or replacement for journal the machine he used in his work and named it “ INK
investigation. POLYGRAPH”
= not admissible in court to prove the guilt of the
subject. The Autonomic Nervous System and the Modern Polygraph
= cannot be conducted if insufficient amount of Instrument
information were gathered. .Man in his earliest development was endowed with a sophisticated survival
= minors, mentally-ill or retarded are exempted. mechanism or an emergency system of nerves that automatically prepares
= cannot be conducted to unfit subject. his body to meet situations that threatened his well being. His health and
survival depends on the maintenance of stable fluids and chemical balance B. PEN AND INKING
in all vital organs of his body despite the drastic changes in the environment Function: This is used to record the test permanently
about him, and this balance was termed as homeostasis (refers to the The lowest pen is the cardiosphymograph pen, the center is the
action taken by an individual to protect or to restore certain favorable states galvanograph pen, which is also the longest pen, and the top two pens are
of equilibrium). In the center of the brain is a gland called Hypothalamus; the pneumograph pens.
our internal regulator. All our unconscious activities such as sleep, digestion, C. Pneumo section
pulse, blood volume and respiration are being controlled by the Autonomic Function: To record the thoracic and abdominal breathing of the subject.
Nervous System, manipulated by the hypothalamus. The convoluted rubber tubes, which are ten inches long, are place over
When our well being is threatened, either physically or psychologically, chest and abdomen of the subject.
one of our sensors such as hearing, seeing, feeling, or even instinct, will D. Cardio section
send alarm signals to the autonomic nervous system which will activate the Function: To record blood volume and pulse rate.
sympathetic department and take action. In polygraph test, the receptor is 1. The medical blood pressure cuff containing a rubber bladder is
the ear of the subject, which receives the threatening question or stimulus wrapped around the subject’s upper arm, against the brachial artery. The
from the polygraphist. The stimulus is transmitted from the ear via sensory brachial artery is located on the inner side of the upper arm between the
neurons into the brain where the hypothalamus will analyze, evaluates, and elbow and the shoulder.
resolves that particular question. It makes a decision for the subject as to 2. Pump bulb is used to pressurize the cardio system.
whether it is threatening or not threatening situation. If the question 3. Sphygmomanometer is use to measure the pressure in the cardio
perceived as threatening, the hypothalamus immediately activates the system
sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. When the E. Galvo section
sympathetic is activated, it immediately prepares the body for “fight or flight” Function: To record the galvanic skin response (electro dermal
by causing the adrenal glands to secrete hormones known as epinephrine response) or the degree of the subject’s sweatiness.
and norepinephrine so that the blood will be distributed to those areas of the Two small metal plates called as the “galvanometers” are connected to the
body where it is most needed to meet the emergency, such as brain and subject’s fingers (normally the middle section of the index and ring finger of
larger group of muscles. The norepinephrine causes the arterioles in certain the left hand). These plates record the filling up of sweat glands (empty
parts of the body to constrict; thereby preventing blood from entering to during homeostatic condition) and nearly immediate reabsorbation of the
those areas where it is not immediately needed. moisture.
 THE POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
Other very obvious effects will take place known by all of us: The typical polygraph examination consists of three distinctive parts:
 The mouth gets dry, due to salivary glands producing much thicker  The pre-test interview
saliva.  Test execution or questioning phase (actual examination or chart
 The heart pumps faster, thereby increasing blood volume and pulse. collection phase)
 Stimulation of the respiratory muscles leads to breathing changes.  Post-test or diagnostic phase
 The sweat glands are stimulated and forced to release perspiration A. The pre-test interview includes all considerations bearing on
 The iris of the eye dilates, permitting more light into the eye. examination up to the time of actual activation of the examination.
 Involuntary muscles contract. Most people do not really realize that in fact, the most important
and often the longest phase in a polygraph examination is the pre-
While the sympathetic system organizes this whole defense system in next test interview. The pre-test interview can absorb 45 minutes in
to no time, the parasympathetic system, functionally antagonistic towards general.
his partner, follows in order to reestablish the chemical balance of the body. During the pre-test interview the examiner will:
Without these two antagonistic partners, the defense system of the body will  Talk to the subject and do his best to put him/her at
go into a high build up and cause damage to the body (e.g. burst artery in ease
the brain). The two items are essential to maintain a perfect homeostasis.  Will give the subject a detailed explanation of what is
going on to happen during the actual testing phase and
THE TRIPOD FOUNDATION OF POLYGRAPH confirm his understanding.
1. Mechanical leg basis premise  Will define subject’s legal rights.
The polygraph machine is mechanically capable of a. The right to remain silent
making a graphic record containing reliable information b. The right to have an independent counsel
regarding physiological changes. preferably of his own choice
2. Physiological leg basis premise c. The right against self incrimination
Among the physiological changes that may be recorded  Briefly explain to the subject what the polygraph is all
and identified are those that automatically occur only about and how it works.
following the stimulation of specific nervous component  Write down all the subject’s details in order to make the
system and from which the stimulation of those specific identification sheet attached to the report.
nervous system component that can be reliably  Ask certain questions about the subject’s health, if he
diagnosed. has eaten over the last 5-6 hours, if he has a good night
3. Psychological leg basis premise sleep and is not tired.
Under this premise, the specific nervous system  Talk about the incident or issue.
component whose stimulation can thus be diagnosed  Discuss all the questions, which will be asked, and
are so stimulated by the involuntary and emotional make sure the subject answers them all confidently and
processes of the individual who is continuously understandingly.
attempting concealment of deception specially if that  Ask the subject one last time if he is prepared to
individual has something at stake and the prevailing undergo the test and then invite him to take a seat in
circumstances lead him to believe that exposure to the interviewing chair.
deception is quite possible although undesirable. The examiner will then connect the different components to
THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF POLYGRAPH the subject while asking him to sit absolutely still during the
It is divided into five sections: whole time of each chart recording (approximately 4 to 5
[Link] SECTION or CHART DRIVING MECHANISM minutes).
1. Function: Is to move the chart paper at a uniform rate of speed B. Test execution or questioning phase (The actual polygraph
under the pens. examination)
A. The chart roll arbor- this holds the chart roll and fits into All considerations bearing on polygraph examination from the time
V-shape along with the spring to hold it in placed. the instrument is placed on the subject until the instrument is
B. Idler roller- it rolls with the paper to prevent the friction. deactivated.
C. Pen table- flat portion where the pen write on the chart. Before the pre-test interview, the examiner had a briefing with the
D. Paper guide-to guides the paper across the sprocket client, which will typically the investigator, but in certain cases, can
roller. be the subject himself.
E. Sprocket roller- is a roller that fit into perforated edges During this briefing, the examiner has to make up his mind as to
of the chart paper. which type of questionnaire he will be using. Depending on the
F. Cutter bar-used to cut the paper at the end of the test. type of test he will draw up a specific questionnaire, discuss the
G. Off or on power switch relevant questions with the client, on his approval go to the
H. Synchronous motor- to run the chart paper at the interview room.
uniform rate speed regardless of the voltage change.  The interview room
2. CHART PAPER
There is approximately 100 ft. of paper to a roll and there is a The ideal interview room is not too big, not too small (3.5 x 3m). It
narrow green line on the chart paper about 6 ft. from the end of the roll to should be guaranteed have privacy with, no possibility of interference (no
indicate the end. telephone). The furniture has to be sober but adequate; desk and chair for
examiner, normal chair for the subject, and a chair for the test itself, this last Did you lie when you told me you gave Y the check we discussed? Now
chair has to be really comfortable, has to have large enough arm rests in we got a “no” answer.
order to give the subject the easiest means to sit still during the chart
recording. Psychological research has indicated that the most relaxing color The relevant questions are split up in four categories (e.g. Carnapping)
for the walls is with a very light hint of purple mix. This color seems to Primary involvement: Did you steal the car?
subdue the subject and leads easier to confessions. Secondary involvement: Did you help anybody to steal the car?
Guilty Knowledge: Do you know who stole the car?
C. Post-test or diagnostic phase Evidence connecting: Did you get any reward coming from the stealing
All consideration that bear polygraph examination from the time of the car? Or: Do you know where the car is at present?
the instrument is deactivated falling final polygram until examiner’s
diagnostic opinion is reported to proper authorities and the case is These four different questions are called “the four legs of the crime”.
concluded. Did you do it, did you help, do you know who did it, and did you get
QUESTION TYPES anything out of it?
In different types of test questionnaires, three different types of questions will Formulation of relevant questions
be used: A. Inquire from pertinent information’s related to the matter being
1. Irrelevant questions investigated.
A.. Is a question formulated from information about the subject will B. Point of determining whether or not deception is attempted
not normally lie, which does not pertains to the matter under C. As short and precise as possible.
investigation and to which the examiner knows or can reasonably infer D. Subject’s own language should be used whenever possible.
the answer E. All questions must lead themselves to being answered “yes” or “no’
B. These are essentially questions, which will give the examiner a G. Selection of words:
truthful answer. (1) It is desirable to substitute word with a softer connotation.
C. It is generally a “Yes” answer. (2) There is a possibility that subject’s interpretation of words used
Uses: might caused him to produce a misleading response.
1. To reduce subject’s excitement level.
2. To assist in returning tracing to or toward proper baseline in e. Larceny – take, took, steal, forget to return
preference to mechanical adjustment. f. Homicide – kill, shoot, hurt, take life and the like
3. To serve as an aid to interpretation to specific reaction by g. Rape – molest, attack, assault, finger, screw etc.
comparison. Questions to avoid:
4. To conserve the subject’s ability to react. 1. Double meaning question
Whenever possible the examiner should know the answer to all irrelevant a. Did you steal the gun and fired it?
questions. b. Did you steal the money and the jewelries?
The questions must be short to the point and have one meaning. c. Did you rape and kill the victim?
(Note: The examiner should explain to the subject in advance that while 2. Questions in the form of accusations
some questions may be silly – it is a part of polygraph technique. a. Did you use the knife when you killed Bert?
Examples of irrelevant questions b. Were you alone when you broke in to the house?
A. Is today is _______? c. You killed Nida, didn’t you?
a. Is your name is _______? 3. Control questions
b. Are you sitting in a chair _____? These are questions on which all subjects will be potentially untruthful. They
c. Where you born in _______? are used to absorb any anxiety of a truthful subject and draw attention away
d. Do you drink _______? from the relevant questions. The control questions are so deigned that they
e. Have you ever been married? will draw a possible lie from the subject to items broadly similar to the issue
f. Did you ever smoke _____? on hand.
g. Have you ever been called _____? The reaction to the control questions will be compared to the relevant
h. Are you a citizen of _______? questions to give a result.
i. Are you _______ years old? Examples:
j. Have you anything to eat today? Before this year, did you ever steal anything in your life?
 The irrelevant question gives the examiner a good idea how Before this year, did you ever lie to someone who trusted you?
the subject reacts when being truthful. It also allows the Do you remember if you ever stole anything from a place where you work?
parasympathetic to bring back homeostasis (the action taken Do you remember seriously lying to any of your colleagues?
by an individual to restore certain favorable states of (The question is typically a “no” question.)
equilibrium)
 Caution in the used of irrelevant questions: Types of test
1. Some irrelevant questions may under certain circumstances Types of Test
become relevant to 1. General Question Test
your subject. = consist of series of relevant and irrelevant
2. Example of irrelevant question which may cause subject questions in a planned order.
responses. 2. Peak of Tension test
a. Smoking – responses against doctor’s order, = consist of only one relevant and a series of
parent’s objection, against religion or used of irrelevant questions.
reefer. = resemble, in every general way, the card test, for
b. Married – Separated, bigamy, polygamy, cheating, it consist essentially of the asking of a series of
common-law, pregnancy, incompatibility, shotgun question in which only one has any bearing upon
wedding, desertion, homosexuality, pre-marital the matter under investigation.
sexual relation. = padding questions before the after the relevant
c. Name – an alias, nickname, dislike, questions.
mispronunciation. 3. Card test
d. Age – Sensitivity, uncertainty etc. = the subject is presented with seven (7) previously
. 3. Question that can develop reflective reaction- about religion, race numbered cards face down.
4. Question about condition subject to change- about weather = he will be instructed to take one, look at it and
2. Relevant questions return it with the rest of the cards.
A. Is a question formulated from information pertaining to the object of = the examiner will shuffle the cards and each card
examination and to determine the subject’s knowledge or complicity and/or will be shown to him, with the instruction that he
truthfulness or deception regarding the issue in question. will answer “NO” to all cards , even if the one being
B. The relevant questions are the questions of which the examiner wants a shown to him is the one he has seen earlier.
result. These are the questions which the subjects knows the truth about and 4. Guilt Complex Test
is the reason for undergoing the test. The question must be phrase to = used primarily for overly responsive subjects.
engage the subject to say “no”. If for example we want to solve a dispute = a totally fictitious incident but a similar nature to
between X and Y, where X says she gave Y a check and X says she never the matter being investigated and make him believe
got it and we will ask X: it is real.
Did you give Y the check we discussed? He will obviously say, “yes” = The purpose is to compare the response with
while we want “no”. those response made concerning the actual matter
The examiner will retract a “no” answer by formulating the questions as under investigation
follows: 5. Silent Answer test
 = Subject is instructed not to give any verbal A segment that shows no physiological evidence in the
answer, the subject will only answer in his mind. emotional level within the stress area on the polygraph chart or
6. Yes test polygrams.
7. No test 2. Reaction tracing segment
8. Guilt complex test A segment within tracing that shows physiological evidence that
9. Mixed test = consist essentially of an arrangement of the the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system has
first and third test questioned. become more active indicating a physiological change in the
= administered response on earlier test or subject’s emotional level.
to compare the degree of reaction 3. Relief tracing segment
between relevant and control questions. A segment within tracing that shows physiological
evidence that the
1. MGQT parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system has
The Modified General Question Test is a modified version of the Reid become active following the stress area on the polygraph chart
technique developed by the famous John E. Reid in 1953. The difference is indicating a physiological return to the subject’s exhibited average
in the strict structuring of the test. No changes on the order of irrelevant, emotional level.
controls and relevant are allowed. It is a test adapted in most computerized 4. Distortion tracing segment
scoring algorithms. A segment within tracing that departs from the average
emotional level but lacks physiological evidence of either
The test involves the four legs of the crime. sympathetic or parasympathetic activation within the stress area
The structure of the test is as follows: on the polygraph chart indicating a lack in physiological origin
1. Irrelevant  CHART MARKINGS, SYMBOLS AND SIGNS
2. Irrelevant
3. Relevant: secondary involvement Beginning --------------------- X
4. Irrelevant Yes -----------------------------+
5. Relevant: primary involvement No ------------------------------(-)
6. Control Coughing-----------------------C
7. Irrelevant Movement---------------------M
8. Relevant: Guilty knowledge Clear throat--------------------CT
9. Relevant: Evidence connecting Sigh ----------------------------S
10. Control Sniff ----------------------------SN
2. ZCT Burp----------------------------B
The Zone Comparison Technique stems from Backster, one of the great Yawn---------------------------Y
researchers in polygraph techniques. Although originally designed as S.K.Y. Laugh---------------------------L
technique {suspicion, knowledge, you (did you)} he later used it as a Paper Jump--------------------PJ
technique using three relevant questions, three controls and four irrelevant Ending -------------------------XX
concentrating with relevant on one leg of the four legs of the crime.
RULES IN INTERPRETING REACTIONS:
The structure of the test is as follows: 1. If the control question responses (6 & 10) are greater than the
1. Irrelevant responses to the questions (3, 5, and 9) about the principal offense
2. Irrelevant being investigated, the subject is telling the truth.
3. Irrelevant 2. If the responses on the principal test questions (3, 5 & 9) are grater
4. Control than the control questions (6 & 10), subject is telling a lie.
5. Relevant 3. Where there is no appreciable difference between the control
6. Control questions (6 & 10) and the principal offense question responses (3, 5
7. Relevant and 9) there is a specific response in (8), subject is telling the truth.
8. Irrelevant 4. Where there is appreciable difference between the control questions
9. Control (6 &10) and the principal offense questions (3,5 & 9), there is no
10. Relevant specific response in (8) subject is telling the truth.
3. Ranking 5. Where there is no specific response on principal offense questions
In ranking test all questions are relevant. It is typically used to identify other (3, 5 & 9) and no response on (8) subject is lying
people’s involvement in a particular case or locate the missing goods are.
It will go as follows: Definition of terms:
Is Mr. Y involved in the incident? 1. Dicrotic notch – is caused by a minor secondary pulse wave
Is Mr. B. involved in the incident? passing under and the blood pressure cough.
Is Mr. X involved in the incident? 2. Test – Is one run of the instrument.
3. Chart - From one run is called a polygram.
Ranking is very useful in investigations where one subject has been directly 4. Examination – Refers to the over-all procedure. An examination
linked to the crime and to find out who his/her accomplices can be. will normally be more than one test and normally include more
than one polygram
Question formulation: Comparison of Psychological Stress Evaluation to Polygraph in
Case Sample: Qualified Theft Evaluating Truth or Deception Voice stress analysis
Irrelevant question… .1. Have you ever been called _____?
2. Do you know that today is _____?  Underlying principles
Relevant question…….3. Regarding the missing P5000.00 cash inside your In 1964, Charles R. Mc Quiston made a new step in the truth verification
office at the FEBTC Palanca branch last Oct. 15, 2004, do you have research. The US army desired to obtain an alternative instrument to the
anything to do with it? polygraph with no need for direct connection to the subject’s body, one of the
(Weak Relevant) main disadvantages of polygraph. The instrument was to be a “remote” lie
Irrelevant question …….4. Are you sitting down now? detector with a concept based on recognition that emotional stress induces
Strong relevant…………[Link] you the one who stole the missing P5000.00 measurable change into the human voice. All VSA’s rely on measuring
cash inside your office at FEBTC Palanca Branch Last Oct. 15, 2004? stress-induced changes to the muscle micro tenor as displayed in involuntary
Control question ……….6. Before reaching the age of ____, have you ever changes in voice. These changes can be found in a tremor associated with
stolen contraction of muscles, effecting minute oscillation at a frequency of about
(Primary Control) anything? ten to twelve hertz cycles per second. The amplitude of this oscillation is a
Irrelevant question ……..7. Are you a bank employee? fiftieth or less of that total contraction. Although all muscles do exhibit this
Evidence Question ……..8. Were you benefited in any manner with the loss tremor, the voice stress analyzer will only take into regard those associated
of P5000.00 cash inside your office last Oct. 15, 2005? with the human voice.
Knowledge Question … ..9. Do you know for sure who stole the missing Since our voice transmits these tremors at the same time as the occurrence
P5000.00 cash inside your office last Oct. 15, 2005? of stress, the PSE can be used to analyze a narrative conversation, a
Secondary Control Question .10. Have you ever stolen anything from your serious advantage over the traditional polygraph, where only carefully timed
past employment? (25 sec. interval) question, with only strict yes or no answers, can be used.
The basic of the PSE comes down to McQuistons discovery that, under
The Four (4) General Types of Tracing Segments stress, these tremors disappear, when a person speaks, air as pushed from
1. Average tracing segment the lungs upward to the vocal cord. As a result, the vocal cords vibrate in the
frequency mentioned above (the speaker’s main leading frequency). The air
keeps flowing upward to the mouth and goes through the tongue, teeth and
lips, thereby creating the speech flow. When a person lies, the amount of
blood in the vocal cords drops as a stress, so, no tremor. In short, the VSA
searches for the disappearance of the normal tremor in a voice due to stress.
This lack of tremor indicates lie.
 The development of the VSA
Charles R. Mc Quiston coined the name “Voice Stress analysis” and together
with two retired fiends, Wilson Ford and Allan Bell, he developed the first
prototype of his Psychological stress evaluator (PSE). In 1970 the three of
them founded “Dektor counterintelligence and Security, Inc. This company
brought the first PSE on the market and is still one of the biggest
manufacturers and suppliers of the instrument. This instrument, applying
voice stress analysis, represented the first major advance since the
introduction of the Kymograph in 1920 by Keeler (“ a device that physically
records motion or pressure) For over 20 years the PSE was dominant in
stress analysis, until the Verimetrics system, another invention of Mc
Quiston, appeared. The Verimetrics allowed the analytical process to take
advantage of the newly developed personal computers to more conveniently
and effectively produce charts. Shortly afterwards Charles Humble brought
the Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) system on the market. The
major advantage of this system brought was of “real time” analysis. The
interview could now be committed directly to the instrument, without the need
of an intermediate recording on magnetic tape.
Advantages of VSA over the Polygraph

 The VSA can be used as a remote truth verification tool.

 No direct connection to the subject’s body.
 Possibility to interview the subject over the telephone
 Previously recorded conversation can be analyzed later
 Nor mal conversation using full phrases can be used
 The subject can be held ignorant of the fact that he is interviewed
and that his answers will be analyzed (in this case the recording
nor the analysis can be used against him)

 Disadvantages
The VSA is a relatively young instrument using a technique, which has not
been as thoroughly evaluated as the psycho physiological data recorded by
the polygraph. The polygraph has been used for many decades and has
been a study object of many universities and agencies all over the world.
There is no doubt that the future will still bring dramatic improvements and
the faults will be documented. The VSA analyses only one single item,
namely the tremor in the voice while the polygraph, as its name says, reads
multiple items, thoracic and abdominal breathing, blood pulse, blood volume,
galvanic skin response and movement. However, the frequency and
amplitude modulations in the voice cover a broad spectrum.
 Reliability/ Accuracy
No truth verification technique can claim to be 100 % accurate. In the past, it
was commonly agreed that the polygraph had a higher reliability in correctly
indicating deception or truthfulness. According to Clifton Coetzee, a well-
known polygraphist and voice stress analyst states in his work (Truth
extraction; 200: 74) that a skilled and well-trained operator will obtain the
same results with polygraph as well as the CVSA. Several sources indicate
reliability of the CVSA as higher than 91.1 %. The effectiveness of a VSA
test is based on the total system consisting of the hardware, the software,
and most importantly, the analyst.
 Conclusion
It is the investigator’s duty to analyze his needs and weigh the advantages
and disadvantages of the two systems. The VSA is quicker, more versatile,
can be easily hidden and can perform an interview as well as an
interrogation. The polygraph is considered in general more researched and
field-tested.