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Polygraph Questions & Answers

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Polygraph FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Polygraph
Note: If there are any questions that you wish answered, please send us a message and we may post the questions here for other visitors to see.

Can I just go to the office to take my test?
No. Scheduling with a polygraph examiner is required at least 24 hours in advance. We may require that you verify your scheduled appointment once the examination information is gathered and a test has been scheduled.

How does the lie detector work?
The scientific process of lie detection utilizes instrument(s) that record physiological reactions to questioning pertinent to the case facts under investigation. The instrument(s) record at least breathing, blood pressure and sweat gland activity. With the computerized polygraph instrument, there are various other recording modules that can or may be recorded. The examiner will give you more in-depth information about how the components attached to your body work, how the instrument works and why your body responds to relevant questioning.

How accurate is the polygraph procedure?
The polygraph procedure and the instrument’s accuracy are dependent on several factors.

First and foremost is the training of the polygraph examiner. To become a polygraph examiner, enrollment in a certified polygraph school is required. Certification of schools is conducted by the American Polygraph Association.

Second, an examiner has to conduct an internship verifying that he or she can conduct polygraph examinations professionally as per instruction of the school(s) attended and American Polygraph Association guidelines. This internship is served under an experienced examiner who is able to provide guidance and mentoring to the intern during this continuing education internship program.

Third, an examiner who performs in a professional manner will continue the educational process in pertinent areas of education with regard to polygraph testing. There are states that require licensing for polygraph examiners. The state of California had a licensing law requirement prior to the passage of the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 (EPPA). After the passage of the EPPA, this examiner was licensed in the state of California.

Fourth, the polygraph procedure’s accuracy can be affected by the subject, by the subject’s countermeasures and various other subject factors. These important issues are addressed at length by the examiner during the pre-test interview.

Answer: In scientific studies, the polygraph procedure has been deemed to be 95 to 98 percent accurate.

Do I have to take the polygraph test? Can I be forced to take the test?
No. No person can be forced to take a polygraph examination under any circumstance.

In employee testing, there are certain legal requirements for employers to undertake before an employee is asked to take a polygraph test. An employer must give you a 48-hour written notification of the reason that you are being asked to take the examination.

In private-, domestic- or family-type relevant issue exams, an examiner will ask you to sign a voluntary consent form before you take an examination. You can stop the examination at any point of the polygraph interview.

How long does the test take?
The polygraph procedure will take no less than one-and-a-half hours. The length of the procedure is dependent on the issues that are under investigation. Some people have a misconception that in the testing procedure many questions can be asked with desirable results. The purpose of the polygraph test is to find truth, not to be a complete diary of events and truths. The polygraph examination is an investigative tool.

How many questions can I ask?
A polygraph test consists of four relevant questions. Relevant questions are the important questions that a subject must be truthful to. A testing procedure has 10 questions per chart and a complete test consists of three charts. In cases where there are several relevant issues, two examinations may be required. The testing procedures are scientifically structured. Any modification of the procedure can have unproductive effects.

Can I find out if my spouse has been faithful?
Yes. Polygraph examiners receive requests for this type of examination. When the examination is structured in the manner the test is intended to be used, the results can conclusively determine an individual’s fidelity. The examiner can advise you as to the structuring of the questioning that should be undertaken. Remember, you only need to know the fidelity, not the names, number of times or where it happened.

Will it really matter in your decision in your marriage and trust of your spouse? The only thing that would be relevant with this type of examination would be questions regarding grooming someone else for a future intimate relationship, intimacy with anyone else and actual sexual acts.

Grooming
Grooming refers to an individual’s intent to start a relationship and evolve this relationship into a future romantic relationship.

Intimate
Intimate is used to ascertain if an individual has had some form of romantic relationship short of actual sexual intercourse. This intimacy is explained in specific terms with the subject taking the test.

Actual Sexual Activity
This questioning is self-explanatory.

What kind of instrument do you use?
Our agency uses either the Lafayette Analog Polygraph instrument or the Stoelting CPS II Computer Polygraph Instrument. Both systems of polygraph instrument are 95 to 98 percent accurate.

How do I make an appointment?
There are two ways to make an appointment. Call us at 626-963-5292 or fill out the Request an Appointment form and we will call you back to schedule an appointment.

Where can I find the forms that I need for our appointment?
All forms are available for download on the Contact Us page. Just click on the link, print out the forms and complete them before you get to our office. But don't worry – we will have some for you at the office, also.