NCJ Number
195414
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 31 Issue: 1 Dated: 2002 Pages: 20-25
Date Published
2002
Length
6 pages
Annotation
After describing the use of the comparison question in polygraph examinations, this paper examines ways in which it may lead to a distortion of subject responses in the examination.
Abstract
In general, comparison questions are used to elicit physiologically observable responses that can be compared with relevant questions. Comparison questions fall into two main categories: a directed lie, which consists of questions to which respondents are directed by the examiner to be deceptive, and a probable lie, which involves questions on which respondents are expected to be deceptive or to feel uncomfortable answering. If a respondent answers a probable lie truthfully, the interviewer must refine the question until the respondent is maneuvered into a state in which he or she perceives himself or herself as deceptive. This effectively removes the respondent's ability to make a decision. This forces the respondent into a Hobson's Choice situation. Thomas Hobson was a stable owner in the 16th century who offered customers the horse nearest the door or none at all. A Hobson's Choice is forced on the respondent, because he or she must respond deceptively to the comparison question to pass the exam. This may place the respondent in the mental condition of "learned helplessness" or a state of "perceived lack of control." A learned helplessness response is generally associated with reactive depression and generalized suppression of peripheral responses. Perceived lack of control is associated with strong anxiety reactions and increases in peripheral nervous system activity. Both of these reactions would confound the outcome of a comparison question test. 1 table and 20 references