In the field of private examination, it’s common for clients to approach polygraph examiners with a lengthy list of questions they hope to have answered. However, the nature of polygraph testing necessitates a different approach. Effective polygraph exams are designed to address key issues rather than numerous detailed questions. Here’s why this methodology works best and the rules that guide the creation of effective polygraph questions.
The Importance of Collaboration
Rather than providing a pre-made list of questions, clients are encouraged to outline the primary issues they wish to address. This allows the examiner to design questions that are tailored to these issues, ensuring a more accurate and reliable polygraph test. Polygraphs are effective at resolving major issues, but they are less reliable when it comes to extracting detailed information within those issues. Thus, the results of a polygraph exam should be viewed as a whole rather than focusing on individual questions.
The Rules for Polygraph Question Design
Creating effective polygraph questions involves adhering to a set of specific rules based on psychological principles. These rules help ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results. Here are the key guidelines:
- Factual Basis: Questions must pertain to factual events that may or may not have occurred in the past.
- Binary Answers: Questions should be answerable with a simple “yes” or “no.” Detailed or narrative responses are not allowed.
- Clarity and Specificity: Questions must be clear and unambiguous, interpretable in the same way by anyone.
- Conciseness: Questions should be brief, typically taking no longer than 6-7 seconds to ask.
- Avoid Hypotheticals: Questions about future intentions or hypothetical situations are not permissible.
- Relevance and Directness: Questions should directly relate to what the examinee has disclosed to the examiner.
- No Overlapping Questions: Avoid questions that overlap with others, as polygraph results are interpreted based on the overall exam, not individual questions.
- Appropriate Terminology: Use straightforward and objective terms, avoiding legal jargon or inflammatory language.
Types of Polygraph Exams
Polygraph exams can be categorised into different types, each with varying levels of accuracy and suitability depending on the context:
- Single Issue Exam (92-98% Accuracy): Focuses on resolving one main issue, and is the most accurate and scientifically validated format, especially for legal proceedings.
- Multi-Facet Exam (85-95% Accuracy): Addresses a single issue with multiple questions, useful in scenarios like criminal investigations.
- Multiple Issue Exam (75-90% Accuracy): Covers up to four related questions/issues. For unrelated questions, accuracy decreases, and additional exams may be required.
- Screening Exam (75-85% Accuracy): Used for job applicants, security clearances, and ongoing honesty checks in various sectors.
- Statement Verification Exam (75-85% Accuracy): Verifies the truthfulness of a written statement, though it is less accurate than other formats.
Practical Examples and Applications
In practical terms, polygraph exams must be carefully tailored to the specific needs of each case. For instance, in a Single Issue Exam, questions will be nearly identical with minor variations, focusing on the core issue. This format is essential for legal settings due to its high accuracy.
In a Multi-Facet Exam, questions explore different aspects of the same issue, such as in a theft case where questions might address whether the subject stole an item, knows who did, or benefited from the theft.
For Multiple Issue Exams, questions should be related to ensure accuracy. Mixed issues are discouraged unless the context involves a screening process where multiple aspects of behaviour are being evaluated.
In a Screening Exam, various aspects of an individual’s past and behaviour are scrutinised, from criminal activities to job performance and integrity in competitive environments.
Lastly, in a Statement Verification Exam, the focus is on confirming the truthfulness of a disclosed written statement, though this method is generally less accurate.
Conclusion
When preparing for a polygraph exam, collaboration between the client and the examiner is crucial. By following established rules and choosing the appropriate type of exam, the accuracy and reliability of the results can be maximised. Polygraph exams are complex and nuanced tools that, when used correctly, can provide valuable insights into significant issues.
