Jacques d Arsonval

By
MELCON S. LAPINA, MSCrim

CONCEPTS OF LIE DETECTION AND

INTERROGATION
Melcon S. Lapina

Polygraph: Meaning
Etymology: Greek polugraphos writing
copiously

(SOURCE: Collins English Dictionary Complete and Unabridged HarperCollins Publishers 1991,

1994, 1998, 2000, 2003)

Popular name: Lie Detector Test

Device for measuring & recording
Blood pressure
Heart rate
Respiration
Skin conductivity
Melcon S. Lapina

Deception Detection
Deception: involves acting in such a way which
leads another person to believe something, that
you, yourself, do not believe to be true.

(SOURCE: What Is The

Definition
of
Deception?
(2012).
Retrieved
September
18,
2012,
from
http://www.truthaboutdeception.com/lying-and-deception/ways-people-lie/what-is-deception.html )

Detection:
fact SOURCE:
(

Truth

about

Deception:

the act of discovering or the

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright 2000 by

Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.)

Deception Detection/Lie Detection: practice of

determining whether someone is lying. (SOURCE: Lie
detection.
(2012).
Retrieved
September
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/lie+detection )

Melcon S. Lapina

18,

2012,

from

TheFreeDictionary:

Methods of Deception Detection

SOURCE: Caballero, N. S., & Manwong, R. K. (2012). Polygraphy: The Art and Science of Lie Detection. Quezon: Wiseman's Books
Trading, Inc.

Early Methods
1. Red Hot Iron Ordeal

9. Drinking Ordeal

2. Ordeal by Balance

10. Trial of Eucharist

3. Boiling Water Ordeal

11. Ordeal by Heat & Fire

4. Ordeal by Rice Chewing

12. Ordeal of Boiling Oil/Water

5. Ordeal of Red Water

13. Ordeal of Red Hot Needle

6. Combination of Drinks & Food 14. Ordeal of Tiger

Ordeal
7. Trial by Combat

15. Test of Cross Ordeal

8. Trial by Torture

16. Donkeys Tail Ordeal

Melcon S. Lapina

Methods of Deception Detection

Countries practicing Trial by Ordeal
Burma
Borneo
Greece
Nigeria
Europe & Early United States (17th Century)

Melcon S. Lapina

Methods of Deception Detection

Forerunners of Scientific Methods
Hypnosis
Word Association Test
Truth Serum Method
Narco-Analysis/Narco-Synthesis
Intoxication
Psychological Stress Evaluator

Melcon S. Lapina

Physiological & Psychological Signs &

Symptoms of Guilt

Sweating
Color change
Dryness of mouth
Excessive activity of Adams apple
Fidgeting
Peculiar feeling inside
Swearing to truth of his assertion
Spotless past record; religious man
Inability to look at investigator straight in the eye
Not that I remember expression

Melcon S. Lapina

Kinds of Lie
White/Benign Lie for harmony of
relationship
Pathological Lie cant tell right from wrong
Red Lie communist propaganda
Black Lie intriguing to dishonor/discredit
Malicious
Lie/Judicial
Lie
misleading/obstructing justice

Melcon S. Lapina

Kinds of Lie
Fabrication misrepresentation of truth
Bold-Face Lie obviously lying
Lying by Omission omission of important
fact
Lie-to-Children to gain acceptance to
children
Noble Lie to maintain law, order & safety
Emergency Lie to prevent harm to 3rd party
Melcon S. Lapina

Kinds of Lie
Perjury false testimony under oath
Bluffing pretense of capability/intention one
does not possess
Jocose Lies meant to be jest; teasing &
sarcasm
Contextual Lies stating part of truth out of
context
Promotion Lies incredible advertisements
Melcon S. Lapina

Types of Liars

Panic Liars
Occupational Liars
Tournament Liars
Psychopathic Liars
Ethological Liars
Pathological Liars
Black Liars

Melcon S. Lapina

Theory of Lying
Bodily functions influenced by mental state
Physiological
changes
by
deception:
recordable, measurable & interpretable w/
reasonable certainty
Lying produces emotion of fear/anxiety:
fluctuations in pulse rate, blood pressure,
breathing & perspiration
Physiological fluctuations: automatic, selfregulating & beyond conscious control
Melcon S. Lapina

Theory of Lying
Lying person fears detection: physiological
changes
Fear of detection: experienced by subject
Tuning in & out tunes in: trouble/danger, tunes
out: lesser threat
Polygraph Test tunes in: most intense relevant
questions; tunes out: control question & other
weak relevant questions
Truthful tunes in: control questions; tunes out:
relevant ones
Melcon S. Lapina

Melcon S. Lapina

Melcon S. Lapina

ANS in Polygraph Examination

Nervous System
Central Nervous System
Peripheral Nervous System

Peripheral Nervous System

Somatic Nervous System: controls organs under
voluntary control (mainly muscles)
Autonomic Nervous System: regulates individual
organ function & homeostasis; mostly not subject to
voluntary control.
SOURCE: LAB 9 - The Autonomic Nervous System and Polygraphy. (n.d.). Retrieved September 9, 2012, from
Anne Wickersham: http://www.wickersham.us/anne/index.htm

Melcon S. Lapina

ANS in Polygraph Examination

Importance of ANS
Emergency situations: stress; flight or take flight
(run away)
Non-emergency situations: rest & digest

ANS responsible:
monitoring conditions in internal environment
bringing about appropriate changes in them

ANS: 2 Major Components

Sympathetic
Parasympathetic
SOURCE: Ibid.

Melcon S. Lapina

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Autonomic Nervous System
Sympathetic NS
Like accelerator of car
Mobilized body for
action
Increases heart rate
Elevates
blood
pressure

Melcon S. Lapina

Parasympathetic NS
Like brakes in car
Slows body down to
keep its rhythm
Enables body to conserve
& store energy

ANS in Polygraph Examination

SOURCE: Ibid.
Melcon S. Lapina

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Autonomic Nervous System - Sympathetic
THE FIGHT & FLIGHT RESPONSE

You perceive sensory stimulus.

Adrenal gland sends hormones
They activate sympathetic nervous system.
That produces state of arousal or alertness that
provides body with energy to act (pupils dilate,
heart beats faster, & breathing speeds up).

Melcon S. Lapina

VIPs of Polygraph

Daniel Defoe
Jacques d Arsonval
Christian Hans Stoelting
Angelo Mosso
Charles Samson Fere
Sir James Mackenzie
Cesare Lombroso
George Sticker

Melcon S. Lapina

VIPs of Polygraph

Otto Veraguth
Hugo Munsterburg
Vittorio Benussi
William M. Marston
Harold Burtt
John A. Larson
Leonarde Keeler
Capt. Clarence D. Lee

Melcon S. Lapina

VIPs of Polygraph

Chester W. Darrow
Max Wastl
John E. Reid
Paul Wilhelm & Donald Burns
Cleve Backster
Joseph F. Kubis
John Kircher & David Raskin
Dale Olsen & Johns Harris

Melcon S. Lapina

TECHNIQUES IN CONDUCTING
POLYGRAPH EXAMINATIONS
Melcon S. Lapina

Value of Polygraph

Investigative aid/technical aid

Verification of statement of statements
Establishment of credibility
Evaluation of truthfulness
Pre-employment screening
Loyalty check
Counter-intelligence

Melcon S. Lapina

Objective of Polygraph Examination

Obtaining subjects admission: statement of
fact
by
accused,
not
involving
acknowledgment of guilt and confession:
declaration made voluntarily, acknowledging
commission/participation in crime

Melcon S. Lapina

Tripod Foundations of
Polygraph Technique
Mechanical Basic Premise: capable of
recording physiological changes
Physiological Basic Premise: physiological
changes that automatically occur
Psychological Basic Premise: individual
consciously
attempts
concealment
of
deception

Melcon S. Lapina

Physiological Phenomena: Basis of

Detecting Deception per Tripod Foundation
Blood Pressure & Heart Beat Frequency
Breathing as Means of Detecting Deception
Electrodermal Response

Melcon S. Lapina

Accuracy of Polygraph
95-98%: qualified, trained, & experienced
polygraph examiner
Most accurate tool available for determining
truth & deception

Melcon S. Lapina

Factors Affecting Accuracy of

Polygraph Results
General
Specific

Melcon S. Lapina

Limitations of Polygraph
Not substitute for investigation
Not lie detector but scientific diagnostic
instrument
Not determine facts but records responses
Accurate as examiner as competent
Enough facts established 1st before test
No test w/o voluntary consent of subject
Refusal to test not indicator of guilt
Melcon S. Lapina

Limitations of Polygraph
No test given w/o accusations being explained
1st to subject
Polygraph not a mental/physical evaluation of
person
No test on unfit subject

Melcon S. Lapina

Barriers to Polygraph Examination

Pathological liar
Mental case
Persons under influence of intoxicating liquor
Narcotics related cases
Various heart & other organic troubles

Melcon S. Lapina

Polygraph Instrument
Simultaneously
records
physiological
phenomena by kymograph
Polygram: tracing of components
Polygraph attachments:
Respiratory Rate
Blood Pressure/Heart Rate
Galvanic Skin Resistance

Melcon S. Lapina

Major Components of
Polygraph Instrument

Pneumograph Component
Cardiograph Component
Galvanograph Component
Kymograph Component

Melcon S. Lapina

Control Mechanism of
Polygraph Instrument
Resonance Control clear up/make better
pattern of too much pulse pressure of subject
Hand Electrode make electrical contact w/
subject
Panel Control control/adjust operation of
galvanograph

Melcon S. Lapina

Other 5 Important Controls

Off & on power switch powers galvanograph
section
Subjects resistance control balances galvo
section to skin resistance of subject
Reactivity control adjusts sensitivity of galvo
section
Self-centered normal switch selects either
mode of operation
Self-centering mode centers pen itself after
every excursion
Melcon S. Lapina

Control of CardioSphygmograph Section

Manual Centering Knob places cardio in
proper place on chart
Vent Valve lifts atmospheric pressure into
system & releases pressure all/parts of
pressure
Resonance Control decreases amplitude of
cardio tracing

Melcon S. Lapina

Control of Pneumograph Section

Manual Centering Knob positions base line
of pneumo tracing on upper heavy horizontal
line
Vent vent down: system closed & nonoperative; vent up: system open & ready for
use
Uses of Vent

Melcon S. Lapina

Examiner

Intelligent person
Good educational background
Intense interest in work
Good practical understanding of human
nature
Suitable personality traits

Melcon S. Lapina

Subject
General types
Specific types

Melcon S. Lapina

Disqualified Subjects
Extreme nervousness
Physiological
abnormalities:
high
blood
pressure/hypertension, heart disease, respiratory
disorder, toothaches, severe headaches & any
painful ailments
Mental abnormalities
Unresponsive: mental fatigue/under influence of
drugs/alcohol
Pregnant women
Under 18 yrs of age
Melcon S. Lapina

Examination Room

Quiet/private room
No distraction w/in subjects view
No windows
No ornaments, pictures/objects of distraction
No officers/spectators other than examiner
Adequate
ventilation
w/
comfortable
temperature
Lightings not excessive
Melcon S. Lapina

Examination Room

W/ observation room
W/ one-way mirror
W/ hidden microphone
Female secretary observing in observation
room

Melcon S. Lapina

Duration of Polygraph Testing

1 3 hrs depending on purpose of
examination
Short if subject confesses
Prolonged
if
to
resolve
inconsistent/inconclusive
patterns
of
responses
Examination repeated 3-4 times: no longer
than few minuets each question
Melcon S. Lapina

Phases of Examination
Pre-Test Interview
Actual Interrogation &
Instrument
Post-Test Interrogation

Melcon S. Lapina

Recording

thru

Supplementary Tests
Peak-of-Tension Test
Guilt Complex Test
Silent Answer Test

Melcon S. Lapina

EVALUATION
TESTING
Melcon S. Lapina

OF

POLYGRAPH

Rules in Formulation of Questions

Simple & direct

Not involved legal terminology
Answerable by yes or no
Short as possible
Meaning: clear & unmistakable (language subject can
easily understand)
Not in form of accusation
Never contain inference presupposing knowledge on
part of subject
Melcon S. Lapina

Rules in Formulation of Questions

Refer to one offense only
Refer to only one element of offense
Not contain interferences to ones religion
races/belief

Melcon S. Lapina

Types of Questions
Not more than 12 questions
At least 3 test charts:
lasting not more than 4 minutes
Rest interval: 5-10 minutes between charts
2 General Types of Questions
General Question Test (GQT) most common
Peak-of-Tension Test (PTT) supplementary
test
Melcon S. Lapina

Types of Questions
5 sets of tests:
GQT
Number Test (Psychological Test)
Spot Responder Test
Mixed Question Test
Silent Answer Test (SAT)

Melcon S. Lapina

Other Questions
Check Question
Last question asked
Direct question
Relates to fact that subject has told truth to all
questions asked in lie test

Fishing Expedition Test Question

Subject: Vagrants/loiterers for routine interrogation
Examiner: No idea what offense committed by subject
Ex: have you ever been arrested before?
Melcon S. Lapina

Supplementary Tests

Peak-of-Tension Test
Guilt Complex Test
Silent Answer Test
Symptomatic Question
S.K.Y. Questions

Melcon S. Lapina

Signs & Symbols in Chart Marking

X/60/1.5 A = 1st markings on chart

XX/60/1.5 A = Examiners mark after test
X = Start of test
XX = End of test
60
=
mm
of
mercury
shown
in
sphygmomanometer dial
A or M = Automatic/Manual galvo amplifier used
\\ = Pont where each question begins and ends
(called stimulus mark)
Melcon S. Lapina

Signs & Symbols in Chart Marking

+ = Yes answer
- = No answer
A = Adjustment
T = Talked
R = Request
C = Cough
N = Noise

Melcon S. Lapina

Signs & Symbols in Chart Marking

S = Sighed (moan)
PJ = Paper Jam
SN = Sniffed
BI = Breathing Instruction
OS = Outside Stimulus (caused changes of
tracing)
M = Moved/movements
MI = Movement Instruction
Melcon S. Lapina

Signs & Symbols in Chart Marking

L = Laughed
B = Belched
C+ = Increase in galvo sensitivity
C- = Decrease in galvo sensitivity
Y = Yawned
IS = Ink Stopped
CT = Cleared Throat

Melcon S. Lapina

Chart Interpretation
Rules to follow:
There must be a specific response.
To be specific, it must form a deviation from
norm.
It must appear in at least 2 test charts.
The best indication of deception is the
simultaneous specific responses in the 3
tracings of the chart.
Melcon S. Lapina

Melcon S. Lapina

POLYGRAPHY

Suppression approaches but does not quite equal the

typical respiratory blocks in A and B.

Melcon S. Lapina

POLYGRAPHY

STAIRCASE SUPPRESSION

Melcon S. Lapina

POLYGRAPHY

RISE FROM THE BASELINE

Melcon S. Lapina

POLYGRAPHY

GALVO TRACING DECEPTION RESPONSES

DECREASES WITH CORNEAL DEHYDRATION

Melcon S. Lapina

POLYGRAPHY

DEHYDRATED CORNEUM

HYDRATED CORNEUM

Melcon S. Lapina

POLYGRAPHY

RELATED TO CHANGE IN HEIGHT OF COLUMN OF SWEAT IN

CORNEAL PORTION OF DUCT

Melcon S. Lapina

POLYGRAPHY

ONGOING RESPONSE

RESPONSE

Melcon S. Lapina

POLYGRAPHY

MULTIPLE RESPONSE

SINGLE RESPONSE

Melcon S. Lapina

POLYGRAPHY

PLUNGING PEN AT STIMULUS

PLUNGING ELECTRODERMAL TRACING

Melcon S. Lapina

POLYGRAPHY

GALVANOGRAPH DECEPTION RESPONSES:

Melcon S. Lapina

Double Saddle Response

Rise from the Baseline
Vertical Rise Point
Long Duration
Plunging of the tracing

POLYGRAPHY

CARDIO TRACING NON-DECEPTION RESPONSES

Consistently Irregular
(described as Ectopic)

Melcon S. Lapina

POLYGRAPHY

Relatively Small
(Obese subject)

Very Slow Pulse

(described as Vagatonic)

Fluctuating Level of the Blood

Pressure
(reflective of nervousness)

Melcon S. Lapina

POLYGRAPHY

Exceptionally Slow Pulse

Occurrence of Two Dicrotic Notches

CARDIO TRACING DECEPTION RESPONSES

Rise from the Baseline

Decrease in Pulse Amplitude

Less Dramatic Form (obese subject)

Dropped to Baseline

Slow Pulse

Melcon S. Lapina

Roller Coaster Shape

POLYGRAPHY

EFFECTS OF IMPROPER CUFF PRESSURE

To Much Cuff Pressure

To High Cuff Pressure

Presence of burge amplitude to be

Melcon S. Lapina

POLYGRAPHY

Deflation Cuff Pressure

Blood Pressure pulse tracing of

very obese

Cuff Pressure is to Low reduce by

lowering the cuff pressure

May you all pass the Board Examinations!

THATS ALL FOLKS!

Hypnosis
Alteration of consciousness & concentration
Subject manifests heightened suggestibility
Not admissible in court
SOURCE: Solis, P. P. (1987). Legal Medicine. Quezon: R.P. Garcia Publishing Co.

Word Association Test

Questions answerable by yes or no
Concerned w/ time of response
Quick answer: no relation to investigation
Delayed answer: relation to investigation
SOURCE: Ibid.

Truth Serum Method

Misnomer: (1) not truth-inducing procedure,
(2)not serum but drug
Drug used: induces state of delirium;
depresses nervous system
Hyoscine hybrobromide (hypodermically)
Scopolamine (causes psychotic reactions)

Not admissible in court

SOURCE: Ibid.

Narcoanalysis/Narcosynthesis
Akin to Truth Serum Method
Drug used: depresses inhibitory mechanism of
brain; subject talks freely
Sodium amytal/sodium penthotal

Not admissible in court

SOURCE: Ibid.

Intoxication w/ Alcohol

Inhibits inhibitor
Commencement of question: excitatory state
Termination of question: depressive state
Confession Conditional admissibility:
Admissible: capable to recollect facts
Not admissible: refuses to admit/incapable of
recollection

SOURCE: Ibid.

Psychological Stress Evaluator

Analysis of microtremor of voice
Under
stress
(lying):
moderately/completely suppressed

Detects, measures,
modulations

&

microtremor

displays

voice

Truthful: inaudible frequencies registered clearly

Lying: frequencies tend to disappear
SOURCE: Ibid.

Panic Liars
To avoid consequences of confession
Afraid of embarrassment
Confession worsens matter most

Occupational Liars
Practical liars
Motive of lying: higher pay off than telling
truth

Tournament Liars
Love to lie
Motive of lying: challenge of not being
detected

Psychopathic Liars
Most difficult type
No conscience, regret & manifestation of guilt

Ethnological Liars
Taught not to squeal
Squeal: slang term to reveal secrets of
organization

Pathological Liars
Unable to tell right from wrong
Insane persons

Black Liars
Always pretend what they are & what they
think

Daniel Defoe
British novelist
Recommended taking pulse as method of
distinguishing truthfulness from lying

Jacques dArsonval
French scientist
External Friction: electricity generated by
body
Sweat glands store & discharge electricity
Foundation
of
development
of
galvanometer

Christian Hans Stoelting

Founded Stoelting Co
Leading product supplier on physiological,
psychological
&
psycho-physiological
measurement

Angelo Mosso
Used plethysmograph in research: emotion &
fear in subjects under questioning
Studied effects of these variables on
cardiovascular & respiratory activity
Studied blood circulation & breathing patterns
& their changes under certain stimuli
1st scientist to report experiments on
breathing, blood pressure & pulse rate

Charles Samson Fere

French scientist
Electro-dermal response caused by increase in
action of heart & vital energy converted w/
human emotions
Human body: ability to generate, store,
discharge high voltage of static electricity

Sir James Mackenzie

English heart specialist
Constructed clinical polygraph: instrument for
medical
examinations;
capability:
simultaneously record undulated line tracings
of vascular pulses

Cesare Lombroso
1st scientific instrument to detect deception
Modified hydrosphygmograph:
Experiments:
measure
physiological
changes in uspects blood pressure & pulse
rate
1st person to use instrument (successfully) to
determine truthfulness from deception in
suspects

George Sticker
1st to suggest use of galvanograph for
detecting deception
Theory: galvanic skin phenomenon influenced
by exciting mental impressions

Otto Veraguth
1st to use Psychogalvanic Reflex
Electrical phenomenon due to activity of
sweat glands

Hugo Mnsterberg
Proposal & advocacy:
Lie test based on lie detector should be
admissible in court

Vittorio Benussi
Successful in detecting deception w/
pneumograph:
Instrument for recoding inhalation &
exhalation

William Moulton Marston

Contribution: verbal deception detectable by
changes in systolic blood pressure: blood
pressure cuff & sphygmomanometer
Also used pneumograph
Father of Polygraph

Harold Burtt
Respiratory changes indicative of deception
Changes in systolic blood pressure greater
value than changes in respiration in
determining deception

John Augustus Larson

Developed Larson Polygraph:
Continuously recording:
Blood pressure
Pulse
Respiration
Psychiatrist by profession
Worked as police officer under August Vollmer

Leonarde Keeler
Devised polygraph using inked pens for
recording changes in blood pressure, pulse
rate & respiratory patterns
Added psychogalvanometer:
Measured changes in galvanic skin
resistance
Patented prototype of modern polygraph:
Keeler Polygraph
Father of modern polygraph

Capt Clarence D. Lee

Designed Lee Psychograph:
Chart drive/recording unit
Pneumograph/respiration unit
Cardiograph/pulse-blood pressure unit
Stimulus signal unit

Chester W. Darrow
Made 3rd modification to Larson CardioPneumo Psychograph by adding galvanometer
Psychogalvanometric record
Electrodes on palm & back of hand

Max Wastl
Founded Lafayette Instrument Company
Leading polygraph machine distributor

John E. Reid
Developed control question technique
Control questions: designed to be emotionally
arousing for non-deceptive subjects & less
emotionally arousing for deceptive subjects
than relevant questions
Replaced
Relevant/Irrelevant
Question
Technique
Major breakthrough in polygraph methodology
Found 1st polygraph school Keeler Polygraph
Institute in Chicago, Illinois

Paul Wilhelm & Donald Burns

Lie detector specialists in Michigan City,
Indiana
Invented Electronic Psychometric using
Electrodermal Response as basis for lie
detection

Cleve Backster
Developed Backster Zone Comparison
Technique:
Alteration of Reid question sequencing
Quantification system of chart analysis
More objective & scientific
Adopted as standard procedure in
polygraph today

John Kircher & David Raskin

Computer Assisted Polygraph System
Integrating 1st algorithm for measuring
physiological data

Dale Olse & John Harris

Completed software program: PolyScore
used sophisticated mathematical algorithm
To analyze polygraph data
To
estimate
probability
of
deception/truthfulness

Joseph F. Kubis
1st researcher to computer applications to
polygraph chart analysis

Plethysmograph
For measuring changes in
volume w/n organ or whole
body (usually resulting from
fluctuations in the amount of
blood or air it contains)
SOURCE: Plethysmograph. (2012, September 6). Retrieved October 2, 2012,
from
Wikipedia:
The
Free
Encyclopedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plethysmograph

Hydrosphygmograph
Cylinder containing water & connected w/
registering tube, used to record amount of
blood forced w/ each pulsation into limb
incased in apparatus.

Clinical Polygraph
Modified into clinical ink polygraph w/
clockwork mechanism:
Paper-rolling
Time-marker movements
Ink recordings of physiological functions
Modern
polygraph:
modification
of
Mackenzies clinical ink polygraph

Blood Pressure & Heart

Beat Frequency
Criteria for detecting deception:
Increase of blood pressure
Relevant
Questions
Heartbeat frequency
Systolic/High Pressure: heart contracts &
valves open w/ blood rushing into arteries
Diastolic/Low Pressure: valves close & heart
relaxes
Normal blood pressure: 120/80

Breathing as Means of
Detecting Deception
2 steps:
Inspiration contraction of diaphragm &
expansion of chest cavity; air rushing into
lungs
Expiration relaxation of diaphragm &
contraction of chest cavity; air rushing out
of lungs

Electrodermal Response
Most popular name for human body
phenomenon
Skin: changes resistance electrically upon
application of certain external stimuli
Normal response
Abnormal response

General Factors of Polygraph Accuracy

Instrument
Condition of subject
Condition of examination room
Qualification and skills of examiner

Specific Factors of Polygraph Accuracy

Nervousness/extreme emotional tension of
subject telling truth
Physiological abnormalities
Mental abnormalities
Unresponsiveness in lying or guilty subject
Attempt to beat the machine by controlled
breathing/by muscular flexing
Unobserved application of muscular pressure
producing ambiguities & misleading indications in
blood pressure tracing

Respiratory Rate
2 rubber tubes filled w/ air: Pneumographs
Placed around subjects chest & abdomen
Air in tubes displaced by expansion of
abdominal muscles
Transducers convert air displacement into
electronic signals

Blood Pressure/Heart Rate

Blood pressure cuff placed around examinees
upper arm
Tubing runs from cuff to polygraph
Transducers convert displacement into
electronic signals

Galvanic Skin Resistance

A.k.a. electro-dermal activity

Measures sweat on subjects fingertips
Theory: we sweat more when under stress
Finger electrodes attached to 2 fingers of
subject
Measure skins ability to conduct electricity
Hydrated skin conducts electricity more
easily

The PNEUMOGRAPHIC TUBE

PNEUMOGRAPHIC TRACINGS

The ARM CUFF

The CARDIOGRAPHIC Component

HAND-PUMP BULB
The CARDIOGRAPHIC Component

HAND-PUMP BULB
The CARDIOGRAPHIC Component

ANEROID B/P METER GAUGE

The CARDIOGRAPHIC Component

The CARDIOGRAPHIC TRACINGS

The FINGER ELECTRODES

The GALVANOGRAPHIC (GSR) Component

The G.S.R. Tracings

The KYMOGRAPH Component

The KYMOGRAPH Component

The KYMOGRAPH Component

The KYMOGRAPH Component

Uses of Vent

To stop pen between tests

To prevent pen from jam
To stop pen during tube adjustment
To assist in gaining amplitude
To let atmospheric pressure enter into system

3 Types of Subjects for

Polygraph Testing
Suspect
Victim/complainant
Witness

Specific Types

Guilt definite/reasonably certain

Emotional offender
Committing crimes in heat of passion
Committing crimes in accidental nature
Non-emotional offender
Committing crimes for financial gain
Guilt doubtful/uncertain

Pre-Test Interview
Informal interview lasting for 20-30 minutes
Purpose of Interview:
Determine whether subject has: (1) medical
condition, (2) psychiatric condition, (3) used drugs
Explain purpose of examination
Develop test questions
Relieve truthful subject; satisfy deceptive subject
Know any anti-social activity/criminal record of
subject

Actual Interrogation & Recording

Components attached to subject
Standard Test Questions
Irrelevant Questions
Relevant Questions
Control Questions

Actual Interrogation & Recording

Stimulation Test:
Convince subjects to accuracy of polygraph
examination
Reassure truthful subjects & provoke
anxiety in deceptive subjects
Common Stimulation Test: Number/Card
Test

Post Test Interrogation

Clarify findings
Learn possible reasons for subjects
responding to relevant question other than
knowledge of crime
Obtain additional information & admission, if
results suggest deception

Peak-of-Tension Test
Given if subject not yet informed of details of
offense under investigation
About 7 questions
1 specific bearing: details of incident not
have been known to subject
Truthful subject: no tension
Guilty subject: peak-of-tension

Peak-of-Tension Test
1. Do you know whether the stolen watch from
Rommel is a Rolex? (This is an introductory
phrase plus padding question)
2. Is it an Omega? (Padding)
3. Is it a Seiko? (Padding)
4. Is it a Timex? (Padding)
5. Is it Alba quartz? (Padding)
6. Is it Bolivia? (Padding)

Guilt Complex Test

Given if:
Relevant & control questions: similar in degree
& consistency
Examiner cant tell whether subject:
truthful/not
Additional relevant questions:
No response: subject deceptive to primary
issue
Similar response: no conclusion

Silent Answer Test

Conduct of test: same when relevant,
irrelevant & control questions were asked
Subject instructed to answer questions silently
Effective: subjects verbal response causes
distortion in tracing: sniff/clearing of throat

General Question Test

About case under investigation
Sequence of relevant, irrelevant & control
question asked in designed order
Arranged to contrast subjects responses
between relevant & control questions
Restricted to yes or no only
Purpose: to condition subject to have
standard tracing & to establish truth-telling
pattern

Sample GQT
1. Have you ever been called by the name of
Pedro? (Irrelevant)
2. Is today Monday? (Irrelevant)
3. Do you have anything to do with the robbery
at SM last night? (Weak Relevant)
4. Are you over 20 years of age? (Irrelevant)
5. Were you one of those who robbed the SM
last night? (Strong Relevant)

Sample GQT
6. Have you been involved in a robbery case this
year? (Control)
7. Do you drink water? (Irrelevant)
8. Was the pair of gloves found at SM yours?
(Weak Relevant)
9. Do you know of anyone involved in the robbery
at SM last night? (Weak Relevant)
10.Have you ever been involved in any robbery in
your life? (Secondary Control)

Card or Number Test

Done after GQT

Examiner will show subject 7 numbered cards
Examiner knows the sequence of number
Intended to assure innocent examinee of
accurateness of test & competency of
polygraphist
Serves to arouse guilty examinee
Purpose: To check feasible distortion when
selected number is asked.

Spot Responder Test

Contains questions previously asked in GQT in
different order
Purpose: To determine responsiveness of
subject to critical questions & also serve as
check on possibility of spot respond.

Mixed Question Test

Same with Spot Responder Test but questions
of GQT is again mixed
Purpose: To compare degree of reaction
between Relevant & Control Question

Silent Answer Test

No verbal answer
Subject must given truthful answer silently to
himself
Purpose: To serve as an affirmative check

Irrelevant Questions
No bearing to case investigated
Purpose: to ascertain subjects normal pattern of
response by eliminating feeling of apprehension
Examples:
Did you eat today?
Do you smoke?
Are you wearing brown leather jacket now?
Do you live in Davao City?

Relevant Questions

Related to case investigated

Understandable to subject
Related to one issue or criminal act
Must be specific to get accurate result
Ex: Did you shoot to death Mr. X?

Relevant Questions
Strong Relevant/Primary Relevant Question:
intense relationship to crime/problem; to
produce strong emotional response in guilty
subjects; ex: Did you steal Juans cell phone?
Secondary/Weak Relevant Question: concern
w/ elements of crime &deals mostly on guilty
knowledge & partial involvement; ex:
Between 8 to 10 a.m., August 29, 2012, did
you open the table drawer of Mr. Capistrano?

Relevant Questions
Weak Relevant:
Sacrifice Relevant or DYAT Questions (Do
you intend to Answer Truthfully): clue to
subjects attitude of willingness or
voluntariness
Ex: Regarding the stolen cell phone, do you
intend to answer truthfully to each
question?

Relevant Questions
Weak Relevant:
Knowledge
Questions:
to
detect
information about crime only guilty subject
knows
Ex: Do you know for sure who stole the cell
phone of Juan?

Relevant Questions
Weak Relevant:
Evidence Connecting Question: inviting
subjects attention on incriminating proof
tending to establish his guilt
Ex: Were the footprints outside the house
of Juan yours?

Control Questions
Unrelated to case investigated
Similar nature but less serious compared to
relevant questions
Purpose: to get response of innocent subject
Ex: Case of killing by shooting Have you
ever used or fired a gun?

Control Questions
Primary Control Question: recalls offense
from childhood up to 3/5 years before
occurrence of present offense
Ex: Before reaching the age of 28, have you
ever stolen anything?

Control Questions
Secondary Control Question: more specific in
nature; based on another sort of wrongdoing
enhancing
subjects
opportunity
for
responsiveness; scope: up to present period of
examination
Ex: Have you ever stolen anything from this
locality?

Symptomatic Question
Function: detect & evaluate presence of
outside issues w/c may suppress response to
relevant questions
Subject: afraid being asked about another
case not subject matter under investigation

S.K.Y. Questions
S Suspect; K Knowledge; Y You
Based on Backster Technique
Ex:
Do you SUSPECT anyone in particular of stealing
Nicks Ipod?
Do you KNOW for sure who stole Nicks Ipod?
Did YOU steal Nicks Ipod?