NCJ Number
84686
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1982) Pages: 46-61
Date Published
1982
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Interpreting polygraph records is a complex undertaking requiring proper subject preparation and processing to accurately determine truth or deception.
Abstract
In about 25 percent of polygraph cases responses clearly indicate truth or deception. These responses, such as elevated blood pressure or suppressed respiration, can easily be observed by the examiners. However, approximately 65 percent of polygraph test responses are unclear and thus require special questioning techniques, careful study, and expert interpretation. In addition, up to 10 percent of polygraph responses cannot be interpreted due to subjects' physical, or emotional imperfections. Adherence to specific interpretation rules for polygraph records can improve the accuracy of final conclusions. For example, the examiner should allow subjects to interpret their own polygraph charts since some subjects will reveal their guilt this way. Erratic or inconsistent responses may be attributable to several causes, such as the subject's innocence of the crime under investigation but not of other crimes. Examiners should take behavior symptoms into account in arriving at a diagnosis of deception. Finally, an angry subject may show deception even though innocent. Other rules for interpreting responses are listed. No references are cited.