NCJ Number
82620
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1981) Pages: 129-142
Date Published
1981
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Pretest question review, question importance, question repetition, control procedures, and irrelevant questions are discussed as principles for polygraph examinations of job applicants.
Abstract
Each relevant question should be reviewed with the subject in advance, because if the fear of detection or the fear of the unpleasant consequences of detection is to be in operation during the test, the guilty person should be provided with advance notice that the question will be asked. If a control technique is to be used, requiring the comparison of the response to the relevant questions and the controls, then the controls must also be rehearsed. Secondly, each relevant question in the examination should be a realistic threat to the subject (cause for not being hired or being fired) so a lie will elicit an autonomic reaction. Thirdly, a valid, accurate, reliable examination requires repetition of the relevant questions so as to establish consistent reactions to the questions and disregard reactions due to chance, stray thoughts, or outside stimuli. Each relevant question should be repeated at least three times. Fourthly, it is important to intersperse irrelevant questions among the relevant questions in a screening test to provide tension relief for the subject. Sixth, examinations should be limited to not more than ten relevant questions, so as to permit repetition within the appropriate examination time. Generally accepted statements on control procedures are as follows: (1) control questions are intended to create a reaction in a responsive subject; (2) control questions indicate the manner in which the subject exhibits autonomic reactions; and (3) control questions indicate the intensity with which the subject responds to autonomic stimuli. Questions on a police applicant examination are provided.