Republic of the Philippines
CENTRAL BICOL STATE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE
Impig, Sipocot, Camarines Sur 4408
Website: [Link]
Email Address: [Link]@[Link]
Trunkline: (054) 881-6681
Module 1
Topic The Concept of Polygraphy and General Uses of the
Polygraph Examination
Week 2-3
INTRODUCTION
This module, introduces students to the core concepts of Polygraphy, the scientific
method of detecting deception using the polygraph instrument, also known as Lie
Detection or Truth [Link] central focus is on defining and explaining this scientific
method, which operates on the theory that conscious deception triggers involuntary
physiological changes. Ultimately, this module aims to help you understand the significant
importance of polygraphy in criminal justice and other related fields.
Learning Objectives:
1. Define the key terms polygraphy, polygraph, and Lie detection
2. Explain the fundamental theory underpinning the use of the polygraph—those
conscious mental efforts to deceive cause involuntary physiological changes.
3. Distinguish between the Diagnostic Application and the Interrogatory Application of
the polygraph in a criminal investigation.
4. Categorize and break down the three general uses of polygraph testing—Criminal
Investigation, Employment and Security Screening, and Clinical Setting—by
identifying the specific goals.
5. Assess the importance of the polygraph examination's objectives, by justifying why
these functions are crucial to the overall criminal justice process.
PRE-COMPETENCY
CHECKLIST
PRE-TEST
Multiple choice:
Select the correct answer from the choices given.
Answer the following questions:
1. It is the scientific method of detecting deception with the use of a polygraph
instrument. This is the new name of Lie Detection.
A. Truth Verifier
B. Lie detection
C. Polygraphy
D. Polygraph
2. The term “polygraph” means __________________. The name refers to the
manner in which selected physiological activities are simultaneously collected
and recorded.
A many writings
B. many words
C. handwriting
D. manygraph
3. As a suspect commits a crime, it is the examiners role to distinguish truth from
falsehood as he reconstructs real facts concerning a crime being investigated.
In every criminal investigation, the victim, suspect, and witness/es present their
own version of the events surrounding an incident at a particular time and date.
A. Crime Investigation
B. Maintenance Testing
C. Employment and Security Screening
D. Truth Verifier
4. The purpose of this is to determine whether or not a candidate is being truthful
regarding his/her job application form. Any indication of deception can lead to
an applicant’s disqualification.
A. Crime Investigation
B. Maintenance Testing
C. Employment and Security Screening
D. Criminal Investigation
5. What is the ultimate goal of this application is to seek the successful
determination of truth or deception?
A. Maintenance Testing
B. Criminal Investigation
C. Interrogation Application
D. Diagnostic Application
6. This a kind of application is less concerned with the issue of truth, and usually
seeks a confession of wrongdoing from the suspects.
A. Maintenance Testing
B. Criminal Investigation
C. Interrogation Application
D. Diagnostic Application
7. In this classification the examiner aims to gather information about a subject’s
sexual history and current offense being investigated, allowing him to perform
an assessment.
A. Disclosure Testing
B. Employment and Security Screening
C. Maintenance Testing
D. Security Testing
8. Which is not considered as objectives of a polygraph examination?
A. Ascertain if a person is telling the truth.
B. To Locate the perpetrator.
C. Obtain valuable information from reluctant witness.
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D. Eliminate the innocent suspects.
9. It is a series of test conducted on the person involved in the commission of a
crime and referred to the polygraph branch, and the formulation of questions
which is answerable by yes or no.
A. Polygraph examination
B. Criminal Investigation
C. Interrogation Application
D. Lie Detection
10. This issue test is given when scientific problems occurs. These problems could
involve the use of illegal drugs or allegations of re-offense. This type of test is
narrowly defined and only deals with a single problem or issue.
A. Specific Test
B. Maintenance Testing
C. Security Testing
D. Polygraph Test
Discussions:
Polygraphy Defined
It is the scientific method of detecting deception with the use of a polygraph
instrument. This is the new name of Lie Detection.
Polygraph Defined
The term “polygraph” means “many writings.” The name refers to the manner in
which selected physiological activities are simultaneously collected and recorded.
A polygraph measures and records several physiological indices such as blood pressure,
pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity while the subject is asked and answers a series
of questions. The belief underpinning the use of the polygraph is that deceptive answers
will produce physiological responses that can be differentiated from those associated with
non-deceptive answers; the polygraph is one of several devices used for lie detection.
In the US federal government, a polygraph examination is also referred to as a
psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) examination.
Lie detection, also referred to as deception detection, uses questioning techniques along
with technology that record physiological functions to ascertain truth and falsehood in
response. It is commonly used by law enforcement and has historically been an inexact
science. It is the popular but misleading name of the Polygraph.
Polygraph is also called “Truth Verifier” since statistics show that the vast majority
of the instances the instrument verifies an innocent person’s truthfulness.
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Polygraph Examination Defined
Polygraph examination is a series of test conducted on the person involved in the
commission of a crime and referred to the polygraph branch, and the formulation of
questions which is answerable by yes or no.
Concepts of Polygraph Examination
1. Used to test an individual for the purpose of detecting deception or verifying the
truthfulness of his statements.
2. It is done by recording identifiable physiological reactions of the subject, such as;
blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration and skin resistance.
3. The effectiveness of the polygraph in recording symptoms of deceptions is based
on the theory that “a conscious mental effort on the part of a normal person to deceive
causes involuntary physiological changes to an imminent danger to its well being.
Objectives of a Polygraph Examination
1. Obtain additional investigation leads to the facts of the case/offenses.
2. Ascertain if a person is telling the truth.
3. Locate the fruits or tools of the crime and whereabouts of wanted persons.
4. Identify other persons involved (accomplices of the crimes).
5. Obtain valuable information from reluctant witness.
6. Eliminate the innocent suspects.
General Uses of the Polygraph Examination
Polygraph examinations are widely used in the United States and in some other countries
(notably, Israel, Japan, and Canada).
In the Philippines, lie detectors are also being used by major companies, as well as by the
major law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police and National
Bureau of investigation. Let us take a look at the three general categories of the uses of
polygraph testing.
1. Criminal Investigation
A polygraph is mainly used for investigation. As a suspect commits a crime, it is the
examiners role to distinguish truth from falsehood as he reconstructs real facts concerning
a crime being investigated. In every criminal investigation, the victim, suspect, and
witness/es present their own version of the events surrounding an incident at a particular
time and date. Each present their own story, although some may be tainted with lies for
some personal reason.
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When properly used as an investigative tool, the polygraph can help the examiner
eliminate the wrongfully accused and identify the guilty party. The test can also provide
the examiner with a more efficient and productive use of his case time.
Two Application of the Polygraph in a Criminal Investigation
a. Diagnostic Application- The ultimate goal of this application is to seek the
successful determination of truth or deception. This requires the services of an expert
examiner with considerable training and education. He must carefully construct
questioning techniques that can help provide scientific analysis of data. Results of this
kind of test have also been admitted as evidence in court.
b. Interrogatory Application – This kind of application is less concerned with the issue
of truth, and usually seeks a confession of wrongdoing from the suspects. Essentially, in
this application, the examiner uses the polygraph to induce sufficient fear in the subject so
that his only recourse from emotional anguish is to confess his act. However, these have
been frequently ruled out as inadmissible in court.
2. Employment and Security Screening
The purpose of pre-employment screening is to determine whether or not a candidate is
being truthful regarding his/her job application form. Any indication of deception can lead
to an applicant’s disqualification.
The questions cover many aspect, such as insurance history, employment habits, credits
background, driving, drug and alcohol use, falsification of information, as well as criminal
activities and associations. There are also areas that should not be questioned during the
polygraph test, such as religious and political beliefs and affiliations as well as racial-
gender-related topics.
In the Philippines, there are also companies (especially those who manufacture IT parts),
mining companies, and Philippine banks that resort to pre-employment screening in their
hiring process or in the promotion of employees. Those companies often have their own
polygraph machines and certified examiners trained under a refutable agency. This
examiners, however, are only trained to conduct pre-employment screening and not other
task.
3. Clinical Setting
There are three classification of clinical setting, the detail of which are the following:
a. Disclosure Testing- In this classification the examiner aims to gather information
about a subject’s sexual history and current offense being investigated, allowing him to
perform an assessment.
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b. Maintenance Testing – A maintenance test is periodically administered (e.g., every
four to six months) to ensure one’s compliance with probation and parole requirements
and treatment contracts, as well as for identifying the re-offending subjects. Maintenance
testing can be best described as an ‘artificial conscience’. This is because offenders
who are re-offending are identified immediately and then subjected to corrective action.
c. Specific Test-This issue test is given when scientific problems occurs. These
problems could involve the use of illegal drugs or allegations of re-offense. This type of
test is narrowly defined and only deals with a single problem or issue.
DISCUSSION BOARD
Questions:
1. Define and explain the scientific methods of detecting deception.
2. Explain and understand the concepts of Polygraphy.
3. Identify and discuss the several uses of Polygraph instrument.
4. Explain the common terminologies encountered in the study of Polygraphy.
5. Discuss the importance of Polygraphy not only to criminal investigation but to other
field as well.
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