Results are based on the examiner’s analysis of the recorded test data. A final determination typically depends on whether your physiological responses indicate truthfulness or deception regarding the key issues discussed during the test.
Final results are provided in writing for every test completed. Depending on the specific test method used for evaluation it may also be accompanied by an Empirical Scoring System- Multinomial (ESS-M) sheet that explains the latest update to the statistical reference distributions and decision model for the Empirical Scoring System. Specific questions can be directed to any member of the team who will explain the process in simple terms to ensure that you understand the outcome while maintaining confidentiality.

It generally takes a day or two to evaluate the test data and prepare the comprehensive final written report. So, in most cases, our findings are out to you within two to three business days.

NDI / NSR – No Deception Indicated / No Significant Response:

These results are often referred to as the examinee being found truthful. When the polygraph chart analysis shows NDI or NSR, it means that no significant involuntary physiological reactions were detected during the test. This suggests that the individual answered all relevant questions truthfully and without deceit.

DI / SR – Deception Indicated / Significant Response:

Contrarily, when the test results indicate DI or SR, it means the examinee was found deceptive in one or more of the pertinent questions. Significant changes in involuntary physiological reactions, such as increased heart rate or perspiration, consistently appeared during the test. These reactions are scientifically explained as indicators of deception.

Initial interrogation and pre-test phase

In general, any interrogation or pre-test can take place days or in certain circumstances weeks before arriving for the actual test. During the pre-test interview, a preliminary foundation for examination is established. The examiner begins to gather critical information relevant to the case or issues of concern. The answers provided often assist in the development of questions for the in-test phase.

The purpose of our pre-test interview

As mentioned, the pretest is designed to build possible questions for the actual exam. There may also be a discussion of the polygraph’s accuracy in detecting deception to help assuage your curiosity and any discomfort that you might have.

Test Phase (polygraph exam)

The Test Phase is where the examiner will attach the sensors to your body to monitor and record your physiological responses i.e., (blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and sweat gland activity). These sensors are attached to the arm, fingers, chest & abdomen). You will be asked a series of preselected questions with the examiner will observe and record your responses to the questions when asked. This phase is divided into several smaller parts, can last between 30 minutes and 3 hours, but typically takes about 90 minutes.

Types of polygraph examinations

Polygraph testing can be broken down into several specific types, each with its unique approach and methodology.

Control Question Test (CQT): One type of polygraph test is the Control Question Test (CQT), which is the most commonly used method. .

Guilty Knowledge Test (GKT): Another type of polygraph test is the Guilty Knowledge Test (GKT), which is sometimes referred to as the “Concealed Information Test.” This type of test is typically used to determine if a person has specific knowledge related to a crime or event.

The Concealed Information Test (CIT): This is a type of polygraph test that is similar to the GKT in that it is used to determine if a person has specific knowledge related to a crime or event. However, the CIT focuses more on the person’s reactions to stimuli that are directly related to the event in question.

Neuroscience-based advanced test: Finally, there are also neuroscience-based advanced polygraph tests, which use a combination of traditional polygraph techniques and neuroimaging to measure brain activity in response to questioning. These tests are still in the experimental phase and are not yet widely used in practice.

Instances in which polygraph tests are used

The different polygraph test types can be used to suit various purposes. Here are some of the most common ones:

1. Specific-Issue Test:This type of test is used to determine the truthfulness of a particular incident or statement. The examiner will ask specific questions related to the incident.
2. Pre-employment screening: Employers often use such a test to screen job applicants for certain positions. The questions are typically focused on the candidate’s qualifications, background, and suitability for the job. Pre-employment screening tests are designed to identify potential security risks, such as theft or espionage, or to determine if the candidate has provided false information on their job application.
3. Periodic Screening: This kind of test is similar to pre-employment screening but is used on employees who are already working for a company. Periodic screening is used to ensure that employees are continuing to meet the company’s standards and are not engaging in any behavior that could be detrimental to the company.
4. Criminal Investigation:This is used by law enforcement agencies to investigate criminal cases. The questions are focused on the specific incident being investigated, and the examiner will try to determine if the person being tested was involved in the crime.
5. Quality Control: This type is used to ensure the accuracy of information provided by employees in certain industries. For example, employees who work in the pharmaceutical or financial industries may be required to take a polygraph test to ensure that they are following protocols and not engaging in any unethical behavior.

In most cases, it will be recorded. Standard APA protocol is to audio record every polygraph examination in its entirety. This is to ensure the results can be re-examined if necessary and provide thorough details if the results are ever questioned by you or your attorney.

Pre-Test Phase

There are certain standard environmental settings you can anticipate with every polygraph examination administered by Aletheian Polygraph;  however, the location of the test depends on the purpose of the exam and the organization conducting it. Typically, it will include a small room containing only a table and chairs.

Most of the time, the room will be simple and plain, and it shouldn’t have any decorations or pictures that might be distracting. During the examination, you and your examiner will usually be the only people in the room, though an attorney may be present in some cases.

Post-Test Phase

This is the final step in the process and is where your charts will be reviewed and evaluated. Your collected data will be examined for abnormalities, including skin resistance, or sweat levels, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, in response to the questions discussed earlier before being evaluated. During this phase, you may have an opportunity to explain any reactions that were recorded on the polygraph charts. The examiner may ask follow-up questions to clarify any discrepancies or inconsistencies in the responses.

Aletheian Polygraph examiners, sometimes called polygraphers, polygraphists, or forensic psychophysiologists, have a bachelor's and advanced degrees, backgrounds in the military, law enforcement, and federal government, and have undergone APA-approved basic polygraph and advanced training.

Yes! In a specific issue test, the relevant question is asked 9 to 20 different times (with different wording), providing a large data sample. In a multiple-issue test, each relevant question is asked only 3 to 5 times, providing the examiner with only 1/3 of the information compared to specific issue testing. The smaller the sample, the less reliable the results will be. Fatigue and habituation prevent the examiner from asking the questions more frequently.

• Numerical scoring is used to determine any polygraph result. In a specific issue test, all the individual question scores are added together to determine the outcome. In a multiple-issue test, each relevant question is scored independently of the others, and only the lowest of the individual scores determines the outcome of the entire exam. In other words, fail one, fail all.
• Polygraph operates on the principle of “differential salience”, measuring the differences in reactions to various questions. In a specific issue test, there are only three types of questions to compare. In a multiple-issue test, all the additional relevant questions are “competing” for salience, creating a very complex statistical model, which increases the chances of error.
• Error rates for multiple-issue tests are compounded. It’s simple to predict the error rate of a single data set, such as a baseball player’s batting average. But trying to predict the error rate of a player’s batting average, bowling score, and ability to turn a profit at the poker table—all at the same time—makes it difficult to assess accuracy. The same principle applies to multiple-issue polygraph tests.
• Research has shown that in a multiple-issue format, failing just one of the relevant questions only indicates that deception is likely somewhere in the exam. However, it is improper and inaccurate to make a decision about one specific question on the test. That’s why scoring in multiple-issue testing is global, not per question, and grand total scoring (specific issue) is the most accurate method available.
• Why are four relevant questions the limit in any testing format? Research shows that beyond four relevant questions, accuracy drops close to chance (50%).

There are several important rules for designing proper polygraph questions. Your examiner will work with you to develop the best questions for your situation. However, here are some basic guidelines for question design:

• All polygraph questions must be answered with “Yes” or “No.”Narrative answers are not permitted.
• Questions cannot be subjective or ambiguous. Each question must be interpreted the same way by anyone who hears it.
• Lengthy questions are not permitted.
• Hypothetical questions are not permitted.
• Questions about opinions, emotions, feelings, or the future cannot be used.
• Compound (multi-part) questions are generally not used.
• Questions about lying are generally not used.
• Polygraph questions are framed in the most direct way possible.
• Questions in the same exam must be related to one another. Examiners cannot mix multiple issues in a single test. Each new issue requires a separate exam.