NCJ Number
64834
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: (SEPTEMBER 1978) Pages: 178-181
Date Published
1978
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE STIMULATION TEST IN POLYGRAPHY IS INTENDED TO INCREASE THE FEAR OF DETECTION IN GUILTY PERSONS AND ALLEVIATE ANXIETIES OF THE INNOCENT. THE GOAL IS TO ENHANCE SUBJECT RESPONSIVENESS BY PSYCHOLOGICAL MEANS.
Abstract
THE STIMULATION TEST'S EFFECTIVENESS IS ALMOST ENTIRELY DEPENDENT ON THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS INTRODUCED TO THE EXAMINEE. COMPLEX INTERACTION OCCURRING BETWEEN THE EXAMINER AND THE SUBJECT IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AS AN EXPERIMENTAL SITUATION BECAUSE IT VARIES WITH EACH EXAMINATION AND POLYGRAPHIST. WHEN THE EXAMINER PRESENTS THE STIMULATION TEST IN A MANNER THAT CONVINCES GUILTY PERSONS THEIR LIES WILL BE DETECTED, AND INNOCENT PERSONS ARE EQUALLY CERTAIN THEIR DECEPTION IN CONTROL QUESTIONS WILL BE DETERMINED, THE STIMULATION PROCEDURE ENHANCES THE VALIDITY OF POLYGRAPH FINDINGS. IN THE AUTHOR'S EMPLOYMENT OF THE STIMULATION TEST, THE TEST IS FIRST INTRODUCED TO THE EXAMINEE DURING AN EXPLANATION OF THE PHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF THE POLYGRAPH TECHNIQUE. STIMULATION TECHNIQUES ARE SEEN AS AN ONGOING PROCEDURE INVOLVING MUCH MORE THAN SUCH FORMAL METHODS AS THE SILENT ANSWER TEST AND THE MIXED QUESTION TECHNIQUE. SUBJECTS SHOULD NOT BE BOMBARDED WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF STIMULI; THE NUMBER OF TESTS SHOULD BE BASED ON THE DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING A CLEAR TRUTHFUL OR DECEPTIVE RESPONSE. REFERENCES ARE CITED. (DEP)