Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1) : at The End of This Chapter The Student's Should Be Able To Understand
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1) : at The End of This Chapter The Student's Should Be Able To Understand
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1) : at The End of This Chapter The Student's Should Be Able To Understand
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION TO POLYGRAPH
Objectives:
For as long as there are liars and deceitful persons, people will constantly find ways to
detect lies and discover the truth. Various methods have been developed using science and
technology to determine if people are telling the truth. Such fields include physiology, psychology,
psychiatry, chemistry, pharmacology, physics, engineering, electronics, and computer science.
Although scientifically based, most of these methods are not yet fully recognized by the courts as
legal means of proving the truth. In fact, most information developed using scientific lie detection
methods are not admissible evidences in court despite their expediency in criminal investigation.
In his earlier book System der Kriminalistiks, Gross emphasized that a large part of the
criminalist’s work involves battle against lies. The criminalist has to discover the truth and must
fight the opposite , which is lies and deceit. The criminalist encounters the opposite at every step
of his investigation (Trovillo, 1939)
Some primitive lie detection methods were customs based on physiological principles.
Oriental people, for example, determine who are saying the truth and who are saying lies by
requiring suspected offenders to chew dry rice. While this was a simple task for innocent suspects,
those who were lying had difficulty in chewing. This practice cling into the belief that fear inhibit
the digestive process, including salivation. Thus, deceptive suspects have difficulty in chewing
rice and spitting out crushed wet rice because of fear. Fear that their lies will be discovered
prevents the production of their saliva. (Trovillo, 1939).
There are various methods of detecting lies and deceits. Lie detection methods available
today maybe grouped in four ways (Llamas Jr., 2002). It includes the following:
Dr. Pedro Solis (1993), in his book Legal Medicine provided a more elaborated
classification of lie detection methods available today.
1. Methods involving the use of scientific devices that record psychophysiological response:
a. Word Association Technique (WAT)
b. Psychological Stress Evaluation
c. Polygraph Method (or Polygraphy)
2. Methods involving the use of substances that “inhibit the inhibitor”
a. Administration of “truth serum”
b. Narcoanalysis or Narcosynthesis
c. Intoxication with alcohol
3. Hypnosis
4. Scientific Observation
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1)
5. Scientific Interrogation
According to Dr. William J. Yankee from the Department of Defense Polygraph Institute
(DoDPI) in the United States, polygraph examination is one of the most complex
psychophysiological examinations ever developed. (Matte 1996)
In advance countries, the following are preferred descriptions of lie detection through
polygraph examination.
References:
King-eo, Chester (2006). Introduction to Specific Lie Detection. Unpublished notes from the University of
the Cordilleras: Baguio City
http://www.truthverifier.com.html
http://wwwpolytest.org/polyfaq.htm
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1)
CHAPTER II
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Objectives:
Identify the different personalities develop lie detection;
A. DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIO-SPHYMOGRAPH
C. DEVELOPMENT OF GALVANOGRAPH
3. Cleve Backster (1960) conceived the psychological sit theory that forms
the basis of his zone of comparison technique that provides constant
monitoring of the subject’s reactivity and designed to disclose outside issue.
This is known as the Backster Zone Comparison Test.
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3. Gesta Romanorum (1906) published his book in 1906 which stated that
during the Middle Ages, a nobleman tested the fidelity of his wife by taking
her pulse.
and the second time will lie, for the purpose or requiring additional psycho-
physiological data from the examinee by comparing his subjective truthful
answer with a known lie to the same question.
8. Fred E. Inbau (1942). Wrote a book Lie Detection and Criminal
Interrogation in 1942 that explained the peak of tension test in describing the
methodology for the administration of a guilty knowledge test when the subject
has not been informed of the essential details of the case such as the object
stolen, the amount of money missing, or the implement used in the
commission of the crime.
Leipig, Germany in 1879 that immediately attracted students all over the world
b. Blood Pressure
e. Signal marks
12. Paul Wilhelm and Donald Burns (1951). They are Lie Detector
Specialists from Michigan City in USA sometime in 1951. They invented an
Electronic Psychometer using electrodermal responses as bases for lie
detection. They are the ones who have proven that results of lie detection
test is 95% accurate but with 5% margin of error.
The first FBI use of polygraph in espionage was in 1938. Leon Turrou, an
FBI agent was fired by FBI director Edgar Hoover for spoiling the case and
letting too many German agents escape. Turrou subsequently wrote a book
entitled Nazi Spies in America in which Hoover was never mentioned.
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22. Paul K. Minor. The Chief Polygraph Examiner of the FBI who
modified in 1980 the R-1 technique to include control questions of measured
relevance to the target issue but not designed to cause an arousal; this latest
modification of the R-1 technique is known as the Modified Relevant
Irrelevant (MRI) Technique.
References:
King - eo , Chester (2006). Introduction to Specific Lie Detection . Unpublished notes from
the University of the Cordilleras: Baguio City
http://www.truthverifier.com.htm l
http://wwwpolytest.org/polyfaq.htm
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1)
CHAPTER III
1. Red Hot Iron Ordeal. This is the ordeal that is practiced in the hill tribe of Rajmal in North
Bengal. The accused places his tongue to a hot iron nine times (9) unless burned sooner.
Sometimes the accused also is made to carry the metal in his hands. If burned, the accused
is put to death.
2. Ordeal by Balance. This is practiced in the Institute of Vishnu, India. This ordeal is makes
use of a scale of balance wherein he accused and accuser shall be placed in both ends of the
balance (seesaw like). The person to be adjudged lighter than the other shall be acquitted.
On the other hand, the person to be adjudged guilty is the one heavier.
3. Ordeal by Boiling Water. This ordeal is used to point the thief in modern Africa. The subjects
plunged their right arms into the boiling pot to the elbow and step to the other side of the fire.
All are told to undergo the tests without murmuring. The one by the time has lost some or
showed blisters would prove that he or she is the thief.
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4. Ordeal by Rice Chewing. The ordeal is used to determine who is telling the truth or lying.
This is practiced in India. It is formed with the kind of rice called “Sathee”, prepared with
various incantations. The person on trial eats, with his face to the east and then spits upon a
peaceful leaf. If the saliva is mixed with blood or the corner of his mouth swells or if he
trembles, he is declared to be a liar.
5. Ordeal of the Red Water. This ordeal is used in Eastern Africa. The accused shall be
required to fast for twelve hours. He shall e required to swallow small amount of cooked rice
and be given emetic red water extracted from the Sassy Tree bark. If the accused emits or
cough out the rice, he is adjudged guilty of the charge, otherwise the accused is innocent.
6. Trial by Combat. This ordeal orders a fight between the accuser and the accused. Whoever
lost the fight will be adjudged guilty. The one who wins the fight at the same time wins the
case.
7. Ordeal by Drinking Decoction. The ordeal that requires the accused to be given a decoction
to drink by a priest. If the accused was harmless after drinking the decoction, then he is
innocent but if he dies, he is guilty. This ordeal was practiced in:
a. Nigeria
b. Brahamic India
c. India
8. Ordeal by Eating Corsnead. This ordeal is practiced in China and Alexandria, Egypt. The
accused is given uncooked dry rice to swallow and afterwhich spit out the same. If the accused
spits out the rice to be still dry, he is considered innocent.
9. Ordeal by the Eucharist. This ordeal is reserved for the clergy and administered with pomp
and ceremony in the European Countries. The accused will be given any liquid food that may
cause death to any person. If the accused is innocent, Angel Gabriel will descend from
heaven and prevent the accused from swallowing the food given to him.
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10. Ordeal of the Bier. This ordeal is applied to a mystery death of a person. The corpse will be
brought on a bier of boughs after which the natives will ask the corpse he/she has been
bewitched. If the victim died by witchcraft, the bier is supposed to know more and if the
sorcerer who killed him is present, the corpse will touch him/her. This is practiced in countries
of the continent of Australia and Europe.
11. Ordeal by Heat and Fire. In this ordeal, the accused is compelled to walk in bare foot through
the fire, if he remains unhurt then he is innocent. This ordeal was practiced in:
a. East Germany
b. Early Scandinavian Countries
c. Early England
12. Ordeal by Boiling Oil or Water. The accused is forced to dip his hand into the boiling water
or oil and ask to pick up stone in it. If the accused picked up the stone placed in the boiling
oil/water unhurt, the accused is innocent, otherwise he is guilty. This is practiced in Asian
Countries.
13. Ordeal by Using Red Hot Needle. This is the ordeal used to determine if the accused or any
person is telling a lie or not. A red hot needle shall be drawn through the lips of the accused.
The accused will not be hurt, or the accused’s lips will not be burned if he is innocent. If the
accused suffered blisters and burns, he is construed to be guilty of the offense charged. This
is practiced in Wanaka, East Africa.
14. Ordeal of the Tiger. This is the ordeal that makes use of a tiger to be set loose towards the
accused and the accuser placed together. The one that spares or untouched by the tiger is
considered innocent. If both were spared, further elimination will follow. This ordeal is
practiced in Siam.
15. Ordeal by Combat. This is the ordeal that was vividly dramatized in the movie entitled
“Ivanhoe” that was based from the novel of the same title that became the only legal ordeal
that was practiced in England during the reign of Henry III. The accuser and accused shall
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1)
convene a duel or fight where the winner shall be adjudged as innocent, the looser to be guilty
of the charge. Those persons not proficient in weapons and those who could not afford to do
so could hire champions in the field to do the fighting for them.
16. Ordeal of the Cross. The ordeal that lets the accuser and accused to stand with arms crossed
on their breasts infront of atleast 3 designated adjudicator. The one who endures the longer
is deemed to have told the truth. This is practiced in European Countries.
17. Ordeal by Waxen Shirt. The accused is dressed with cloth covered with wax and required to
walk in barefoot over burning coals. If unhurt through the fire and the wax did not elt, the
accuse is innocent, otherwise guilty.
18. Ordeal of the Donkey’s Tail. As a psychological theory, a donkey is placed in a room alone
and it will be observed. If the donkey cried or made noise inside the room, a judgment of guilt
in the commission of crimes is presumed.
A. BURMA OR MYANMAR. The most common ordeal that was practiced in this country is the
ordeal by candle lighting. The accuser and accused are given each identical candle to be
lighted at the same time. The person that holds the candle that burned first ahead is guilty or
a liar. The candle that burned the longest determined which told the truth.
B. BORNEO. This is the ordeal that utilizes two shell fishes to represent the accuser and
accused. The two shell fishes shall be put in a plate and an irritating fluid was then be poured
onto them. The shellfish that represents the litigant that moves first shall be adjudged to be
innocent or the winner.
C. GREECE. The ordeal by the use of axe is used to determine the guiltiest person. A suspended
axe shall be spanned at the center of a group of suspects. When the axe stopped, whoever
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was in line with the blade is the one to be most guilty among the suspects as pointed out by
the divine providence.
D. NIGERIA. The common ordeal used in Nigeria is with the use of a cock’s feather. The priest
utilizes a cock’s feather and pierces into the tongue of the accused. If the feather passed
through the tongue easily, the accused is deemed innocent. The other ordeal is with the use
of a corrosive fluid. It will be poured into the eyes of the accused. If the accused was unharmed
then he is innocent, if suffered bruises/blisters and injuries, the accused shall be deemed
guilty.
E. EUROPE AND EARLY USA (17TH CENTURY). Ordeal by water is the common ordeal used
in these continents. This ordeal is used on those accused of witchcraft. The accused is bound
on his hands and feet and put into the body of water. If the body of the accused sank, he is
guilty to be punished to death by burning. If he is half-drawn or remains on the surface of the
water, the accused is innocent.
F. MADAGASCAR. Legal authorities practiced trial by Ordeal. The supposed criminal is made
to drink a poisonous fruit juice called “tangena,” a small dose can be fatal. By managing the
size of the dose, those who administer it can decide result.
However, in some books authored by well known writers and academicians, The
Hereditary Sieve Method was mentioned by Sir Hans Gross his famous book in Criminal
Investigation in which beans are to be thrown into a sieve (bigao in vernacular) as the name
of each suspect is called. If the bean jumps out of the sieve, the owner of the name is innocent.
If the bean remains in the sieve, the person named is the thief.
The Ayur-Veda is a Hindu book of health and sciences that is believed to be the
earliest reference of the ordeals or methods of detecting deception as adopted by several
countries in the world specially Europe. It is also believed to be the basis in the creation of a
polygraph machine.
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1)
References:
King-eo, Chester (2006). Introduction to Specific Lie Detection. Unpublished notes from the University of
the Cordilleras: Baguio City
http://www.truthverifier.com.html
http://wwwpolytest.org/polyfaq.htm
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1)
CHAPTER IV
THE FOUNDATION OF POLYGRAPH TECHNIQUES
The polygraph technique uses the principle that the bodily functions of a person
are influenced by his mental state. The physiological changes accompanying
deception are capable of being recorded, measured and interpreted with reasonable
certainty.
The autonomic nervous system is the main effector mechanism which the
polygraph are concerned. The autonomic nervous system is the one responsible for
regulating mechanism that corrects the slightest deviation of the blood, body
temperature, levels of potassium, sodium, calcium magnesium and all the chemical
substances that maintain the activity of all cell membranes are finely adjusted. This is
found at the center of the brain and its central control is in the hypothalamus – a group
of nerve cells of the brain that control the entire endocrine-hormonal system. All of our
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involuntary reflexes- those that we cannot control consciously such as our heart beat,
pulse rate, increase and decrease in blood pressure and the expansion and
constriction of arteries are governed by the autonomic nervous system. When one of
our senses detects a threat to our wellbeing, it sends a signal to the autonomic nervous
system, which activates its sympathetic division regardless whether the threat is
physical or psychological.
In polygraph testing, the receptor is the ear of the subject, which receives the
threatening question or stimulus from the polygraphist. The stimulus is transmitted
from the ears via sensory neurons into the brain where the hypothalamus analyzes,
evaluates and resolves that particular question. It makes a decision for the subjects as
to whether it is threatening or not threatening situation. If affirmative, the hypothalamus
immediately activates the sympathetic subdivision of the autonomic nervous system.
When the sympathetic system is activated, it immediately prepares the body for fight
or flight by the situation by causing the adrenal glands to secrete hormones known as
epinephrine and norpinephrine, so that the blood will be distributed to those areas of
the body where it is most needed to meet the emergency, such as the brain and the
larger muscle group. The chemical norepinephrine causes the arterioles in certain
parts of the body to constrict, thereby preventing blood from entering those areas
where it is not immediately needed. Other obvious effect took place when the
sympathetic system is activated, the hearts pump blood harder and faster, increasing
blood pressure, pulse rate, and strength, thus furnishing more oxygenated blood to
those areas of the body where it is vitally needed to meet the emergency, such as the
brain when increased mental activity is demanded. The second division of the
autonomic nervous system is the parasympathetic nervous system. It is functionally
antagonistic to the sympathetic nervous system. Its role is to maintain he homeostasis
of the body necessary for normal functioning. Therefore, it follows that whenever the
sympathetic activates, the parasympathetic follows to re-establish the chemical
balance of the body.
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Among the physiological changes that may be recorded and identified are
those that automatically occur only following the stimulation of specific nervous
system component and from which stimulation of those specific nervous system
component can be reliably diagnosed.
Under this polygraph leg premise, the specific nervous system component
whose stimulation can thus be diagnosed are so stimulated by the involuntary
mental and emotional processes of he individual who is consciously attempting
concealment of deception specially if that individual has something at stake and
the prevailing circumstances lead to him to believe that exposure to detection is
quite possible although undesirable.
The accuracy of the polygraph results ranges from 85% to 100% depending
upon the factors that affect it.
a. The instrument.
Understanding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp2poso6dGw
Psychophysiology Detection
of Deception
References:
King - eo, Chester (2006). Introduction to Specific Lie Detection . Unpublished notes from
the University of the Cordilleras: Baguio City
http://www.truthverifier.com.htm l
http://wwwpolytest.org/polyfaq.htm
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1)
CHAPTER V
THE INSTRUMENT
The machine/instrument has four (4) major parts or components, these are;
1. Pneumograph – this
occupy the two top/upper
pens of the instrument which
records the thoracic and
abdominal breathing patterns
of respiration. This is
accomplished through the use
of a pneumograph consisting
of two hollow corrugated tubes
about seven inches in length,
each attached to a unit by a rubber
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hose no longer than six feet and no larger than one quarter inch in diameter. This
breathing pneumo unit is a low pressure unit. The inhalation/exhalation of the
subject causes the tubes to expand and contract, thereby reflecting the change
through bellows to the pen into the chart.
2. Galvanograph – this is the longest and the third pen of the instrument. The
electrodes are attached to the index finger and the ring finger of the left hand, or to
the palmar and dorsal surfaces of the left hand. The electrodes used for obtaining
the recording of the GSR or electrodermal responses, are fastened to the hand or
fingers by means of the passage of an imperceptible amount of electrical current
through the hand or fingers bearing the attached electrodes, a galvanometer unit
provides recording of the variation in the flow of the electrical current.
3. Paper tear bar – provides cutting edge for convenient removal of charts.
5. Attaché compartment – storage for all forms and supplies. Slightly smaller in
Executive Ultra Scribe.
12. Paper storage compartment – holds two spare rolls of chart paper or
other supplies.
14. Power switch and circuit breaker – applies power to instrument. Built-
in resettable circuit breaker protects instruments and eliminates need for fuses.
To reset simply press OFF and then ON again.
15. Chart drive roller lever – lifts chart drive roller for paper change and
chart removal.
21. Cuff – pneumatic connection for Cardio Channel subject cuff tubing.
22. Pump – pneumatic connection for hand pump used to inflate subject
cuff.
The pneumograph tube is fastened around the subject’s torso and belly. The blood
pressure cuff is placed on the right arm in such a way that the rubber bladder
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part should be located over the brachial artery. The electrodes or Galvanic Skin
Reflex (GSR) is attached on the palm or index finger and ring finger of the left hand of
the subject. Position the subject in a manner that he looks straight ahead with the
instrument and the examiner to the right side or rear somewhat ahead of the
kymograph or chart drive so that the polygraph tracings will not distract him.
http://www.truthverifier.com.htm l
http://wwwpolytest.org/polyfaq.htm
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1)
CHAPTER VI
THE EXAMINER AND THE SUBJECT
2. Formulating questions
5. Asking questions
6. Chart marking
7. Chart probing
8. Chart interpretation
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There are many schools around USA that have been set up to train people to
conduct polygraph examinations. One of these schools is the Axciton International
Academy, which was started by Clarence D. Lee. The school is accredited by APA
and certified by the American Association of Police Polygraphists (AAPP).
Basic to all that has been said with regards to the utilization and accuracy of the
polygraph technique is the matter of the examiner qualifications and skills.
3. The interrogator must be friendly and avoid arrogance. Try to feel the
subject that you are superior to him. You should be friendly to gain confidence.
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4. Never bluff. Never deceive the subject. Never promise the subject
anything that you can never fulfill. Be sincere to the subject.
5. He must be able to talk on all subjects under the sun, this is important
in order to make the subject talk more of the case.
7. He must be resourceful.
3. The interrogator should sit fairly close to the subject and between the
two; there would not be a table to other pieces furniture.
4. The interrogator should avoid facing about the room. To give undirected
attention to the person being interrogated, make it as such that will be more
difficult for him to evade detection of deception or conceals his guilt.
5. The interrogator should avoid or at least minimize smoking and should
also refrain from fumbling with a pencil pen or other room accessories for all this
tend to create an impression of lack of interest or confidence.
6. The interrogator should adopt his language to that used and understood
by the subject himself. I dealing with an uneducated and ignorant, the interrogator
should use simple words and sentences.
7. Since the interrogator should always occupy a fearless position with
regards to his subject and to the condition and circumstances attending the
interview, the subject should not be handcuff or shackled during his presence in
the interrogation. The interrogator should face the subject as “man” and as man
prisoner.
In the OJ Simpson civil trial, the result of a polygraph were admitted into evidence.
This established a precedent across US allowing polygraph examinations in civil trials
such as divorce cases.
In the Philippine Setting, PVE using the polygraph is not fully developed. The following
are the reasons why at this stage results of PVE are not admissible as evidence in the
Philippine trial courts:
c. No standard instrumentation.
a. US Attorney Offices
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e. Private Prosecutors
3. Polygraph services can also be used in the private sector such as the:
A. Suspect - Offenders of society who are presumed to have committed the crime.
A. Emotional Offenders
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d. Sympathize with the subject by telling him that anyone else under similar
conditions or circumstances have committed similar offense.
e. Reduce a subject feeling by minimizing the moral seriousness of the
offense.
concerned, and also because it is the only decent and honorable thing
to do.
4. Let the subject talk of his misfortune and troubles in general, listen
and console as a very mush interested and understanding friend.
h. Indicate to the subject, as a reason for telling the truth the possibility of
exaggeration on the part of his accuser.
I. Seek a general admission of guilt. First ask the subject a question as to some
detail pertaining to the offense.
B. Non-Emotional Offenders
These are persons who commit crimes for financial gain, theft, robbery, killing
for money, or more, particular persons who are repeaters. These offenders have no
moral guilt not troubled by conscience. They do not wake up at night. His only concern
is that will he be going to be caught.
a. Emotional Offender.
b. Non-emotional Offender
2. Witness
3. Suspect
NOTE: All Subjects must be in good physical and mental condition before
he/she may be submitted for polygraph Examination. The following may not be
submitted for Polygraph Test:
B. AS TO AGE
7-12 Years Old: Fantastic Stage of Subject
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TYPES OF LIAR
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B.
C. TOURNAMENT LIAR. This is the type of liar where the person lies
because it is the only weapon remaining to defend his side. This person realizes
that he or she will probably be convicted but will not give anyone the satisfaction
of hearing his confessions. He wants that people will believe that the law
punishes an innocent person.
1. BENIGN OR WHITE LIE. The kind of lie that is used to maintain the
harmony of friendship, relationship in the home and or office.
2. RED LIE. The kind of lie of a person that has something to do with
communist propaganda that is against the government of the country.
3. MALICIOUS LIE. The kind of lie that has the purpose of misleading the
justice in favor of himself or towards other persons. It is sometimes called
chronic lie for it is done occasionally accompanied by plots and plans.
2. Lie of Omission
3. Lie of fabrication
4. Lie of Minimization
5. Lie of Exaggeration
6. A forced laugh
b. Fear of detection
10. Increased activity of the Adam’s apple and many reactions of similar
nature.
16. Stammering
21. Subject reference marks (i.e. “I’m honorable person how could I do that)
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22. Subject often ask permission by gong to a certain place like a comfort
room. Etc.
23. Subject: reuses to answer the questions directly by offering alibis (i.e
“Wait a minute why do you have to ask that question?” “How I answer that I was
in Cavite at the time?”)
24. Not that I remember (question) expression.
The reason why some people are better liar than the other is that others are not
very much disturbed over the telling of the lie. They are better and able to control their
emotional disturbances produced by lying and thus avoid display of the outward
indications exhibited by persons less fortified with these essential of successful lying.
8. The subject should not face a glass window or another room during the
test because of the possible destruction, which may affect test responses.
9. The lightning fixture of the room should be arranging in such a way to
provide good but not excessive glaring illumination.
10. Should be adequately ventilated, with an even and comfortable
temperature.
References:
King-eo, Chester (2006). Introduction to Specific Lie Detection. Unpublished notes from the
University of the Cordilleras: Baguio City http://www.truthverifier.com.html
http://wwwpolytest.org/polyfaq.htm
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1)
CHAPTER VII
TEST PROCEDURE IN POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
When a mentally normal person tells a lie, physiological changes occur within his/her
body that could be recorded by polygraph machine and evaluated by a polygraph
examiner.
The nervous control of the human body includes the Central Nervous System (CNS)-
(the brain and the spinal cord) and the automatic or regulating nervous system that
has two complimentary branches: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous
system acting opposite to each other. When a person is under the influence of physical
exertion or emotional stimuli such as anger, excitement, fear, telling lie, etc. stimuli,
the sympathetic will prevail and override the parasympathetic, therefore, there will be
changes in the heart rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiratory tracing,
psychogalvanic reflexes, time of response to question, voice tracing, etc. The
parasympathetic nervous system works to bring back things to normal when the
conditions of stress have been removed. It is the prevailing branch when the situation
is normal and the subject is calm, contented and relaxed. When the subject is asked
a series of questions, the recording of the several psycho-physiological reaction and
the scientific interpretations are the bases of the tests by the polygraph examiner.
The main purpose of the examination is to determine the truth or deception based on
the presence of emotional disturbances of the subject a appearing on the recorded
physiological responses to question relative to the case under investigation.
The reliability of polygraph examination depends on the examiner, but the employment
of the polygraph has its limitations to include:
2. It does not determine facts; it records responses from the subject knows to be
true
5. The test should not be administered until enough facts of the case have been
established to permit an examiner to prepare a complete set of suitable question.
6. A test should not be administered without the voluntary consent of the subject.
7. No indication will be given to any person or written in any report that a person
is guilty because he refuses to take the test.
8. The test should not be administered until the accusation has been explained to
the subject.
9. No attempt to use the polygraph for mental or physical evaluation of any person.
1. The subject must have a good night sleep atleast five (5) hours prior to the test.
2. The subject must refrain from smoking for atleast two (2) hours prior to the test.
3. The subject should not undergo prolonged interrogation prior to the test.
4. The subject must not have been subjected to physical abuse or body contact.
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5. The subject must refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages or any drugs 12
hours before the test.
6. The subject must not be suffering from any temporary illnesses like headache,
toothache, menstruation (female), colds, etc.
7. The subject should be physically fed.
8. The subject should not be engaged in sexual activities few hours before the
test.
Undergoing a lie detector test can be an intimidating experience that can challenge
the nerves of even the most enduring person. You are sitting there with wires and
tubes attached to and wrapped aound your body. Even if you have nothing to hide,
you could be afraid that the metal box instrument sitting next to you will say otherwise.
Polygraph examination is long process that can be divided into several phases.
2. The examiner explains the test process to the subject and reviews the facts of
the case during pre-test interview.
3. The examiner designs the specific questions and read each question to the
subject to make sure each one is easily understood.
4. The polygraph instrument is attached on the subject’s body and he is given an
additional instruction.
5. The questions are read to the subject several times while the polygraph sensors
are attached on the subject’s body.
6. After charts (polygram) have been run, the examiner analyses the charts and
develops a numerical score for the test. This score results in a conclusion of
truthful, deceptive or inconclusive.
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7. The examiner will transmit the test result to the client verbally and a written
report maybe requested.
For better polygraph examination purposes than more verbal description or even
photographs, a crime scene sketch prepared by the investigator is preferred. Unless
the examiner is fully informed about the case, he will not be in the position to conduct
a sufficient pre-test interview with the subject. It is during this phase that the relevant,
irrelevant, control and sometimes, guilt complex questions are formulated. It is also
helpful to the examiner to know as much about the subject and his background as is
available. Such information facilitates the pre-test interview as well as post test
interrogation of a lying subject.
d. Rough sketch or pictures of the crime scene and other facts such as:
specific article and exact amount of money stolen peculiar aspect of the
offense or any strange set.
• The exact time of the commission of the offense
The examiner pre-test interview with the subject prior to the test is considered
essential both for the purpose of conditioning the subject for the examination and also
to provoke and observe indications of guilt of innocence. The examiner should not hold
back any information from the subject about the instrument its attachment or recording.
This will serve to increase a lying subject concerned over possible detection.
The examiner should be friendly to the subject but reserve during the pre-test
interview. No accusatory approach is made in this phase. The subject himself is
usually the best source of information about his behavior.
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The primary purpose of the pre-test interview is to prepare or condition the subject for
the test. This phase includes:
The type of test that the examiner will conduct is based on the pre-test interview. It
also serves to condition the subject physiologically for the test upon meeting the
subject for the first time. The polygraph examiner identifies himself and shakes hands
with the subject. He then guides the subject to sit on the chair. The examiner will also
pulls out a chair and set himself infront of the subject. The examiner then informs the
subject of his constitutional rights and proceed to secure the subject’s consent to
undergo polygraph examination. Should the subject given his consent, he is told to
sign a “statement of consent” in duplicate, then the examiner will ask the subject
whether he was already examined by other polygraph examiner for the same case or
other separate case.
If the answer of the subject is positive, the examiner will about inquire details of the
test as to where it was conducted, who conducted the test, the examiner will also ask
whether or not the subject was informed of the result of the past test that was
conducted if any. (As a matter of professional ethics, a polygraph examiner should not
continue the test if the subject was previously examined by any polygraphist for the
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same case, except, for a worthy cause or reason). After this, the examiner will then
obtain information regarding the subject’s biodata for file or reference.
After the pre-test interview, the examiner will proceed to place the attachment of
polygraph components on the subject. In practice, the first to be attached is the
pneumograph, followed by the cardiosphymograph and the galvanograph. Review all
the questions being prepared with the subject before the actual examination is
conducted. The examiner should discourage any lengthy comments or statement by
the subject respecting the matter of incident under investigation or his disclaimer of
responsibility for it.
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Test instruction is given to the subject. Any movement of the body will have an effect
on the results of the chart paper. The answer of the subject is limited to YES or NO in
order to avoid distortion of tracing on the chart.
This phase includes all consideration that bears on the examination just after the
instrument are turned off. If there are significant fluctuations that show up on the
polygraph test result that may signal the subject has been deceptive, especially if the
person displayed similar responses to the question that was repeatedly asked, the
examiner will then proceed to conduct short interrogation. The purpose of which is to
obtain confession or admission. However, if the chart of the polygraph indicates that
the subject is innocent, the examiner will just release the subject cordially and thanks
him/her for the cooperation shown.
Whether you pass or fail a polygraph examination, it will often have very little legal
importance. Often, defense lawyers boast that their client has passed a polygraph. Of
course, you will rarely hear of a defendant taking a polygraph if he/she failed it. In the
next lessons, you will learn on the legalities of polygraph examination and its
acceptability as court evidence.
In as much as the test requires the subject to answer the question either by YES or
NO, it infers the use of intelligence and attention or other mental faculties which is
selfincriminatory. Therefore, you cannot compel a person to be subjected to the test.
examination. In other words, testing conducted in the morning will be more productive
than those examinations conducted in the later in the day and in the evening, these
significantly increases the risk of an inconclusive result. The person also should not
be tested right after the argument, interrogation or one day or work if possible.
Yes, but the examiner must have first the consent of the parents or any guardian of
the person below 18. However, most examiners will not test anyone who is less than
12 years of age, except for extraordinary circumstances.
Yes, any drug or medication that suppresses normal activity of the CNS will reduce
the strength of reactions found on the polygraph charts, resulting in a higher likelihood
of inconclusive result. Examples of drugs are sedatives, anti-anxiety meds, blood
pressure stabilizer, etc. The medication will not change the outcome of the
examination but it serves to reduce the chances of resolving the problem.
Yes, a pregnant person can become a subject of polygraph examination. If the fetus
is making excessive movements inside the womb or causing pain to the mother during
the test, the test should be stopped or should not begin.
Most examiners will not test pregnant woman under any circumstances but others
conduct examination to pregnant woman after the first trimester. Some examiners will
only test if there is a note from the woman’s physician that there are no complications
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from the pregnancy and the stress of taking a polygraph test would not have an impact
on the health of the mother of the fetus.
References:
King-eo, Chester (2006). Introduction to Specific Lie Detection. Unpublished notes
from the University of the Cordilleras: Baguio City
http://www.truthverifier.com.html
http://wwwpolytest.org/polyfaq.htm
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1)
CHAPTER VIII
TEST QUESTIONS: TYPES AND PURPOSES
Purpose: To establish and re-establish the subject’s normal tracing plus response
capability (excitement level) with verbal stimuli.
Purpose: To produce a change from the subject’s norm tracing plus excitement
level plus stimulus.
Classes:
a. Strong or primary relevant – having an intense and specific
relationship to the offense or problem being considered.
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Types:
a. Sacrifice or DYAT – designed to uncover the subject’s attitude,
cooperation towards the test. DYAT – Do you intend to answer the question
truthfully?
To evoke less stress than the offense (relevant) questions in deceitful subjects.
4. Guilt Complex Questions – are questions about the fictitious crime which is
almost similar in nature and equal in weight to the offense under investigation.
5. Symptomatic Questions – are questions that relates about the subject trust in
the examiner regarding confinement to the original issue under investigation.
8. Post- Interview.
nervous system has become active, following the stress area on the polygraph
char, indicating a psychological return to the subject’s exhibited average
emotional level. (With Value)
9. Question must be clear and phrase in language that the subject can
easily understand.
10. They must not contain interference in one’s relation or practical belief.
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoWfxyqm_UE
Types of Questions in
Polygraphy (Relevant,
Irrelevant, Control
questions, etc.)
References:
King-eo, Chester (2006). Introduction to Specific Lie Detection. Unpublished notes
from the University of the Cordilleras: Baguio City
http://www.truthverifier.com.html
http://wwwpolytest.org/polyfaq.htm
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1)
CHAPTER IX
TEST TECHNIQUES WITH SOME SAMPLES
OF SET OF QUESTIONS
At the end of this chapter the students should be able to learn:
Discuss the different test use in case investigation;
Define the purposes of question.
TEST I. THE GENERAL QUESTION TEST (GQT) is the test about the case under
investigation. These are sequence of relevant, irrelevant and control questions asked
in a designed order. The questions are arranged in order to contrast the subject’s
responses between relevant questions and control questions. The answer to the
questions is restricted to yes or no only.
Given below is a sample of GQT. The subject Jerry was suspected to have stolen the
P50, 000.00 cash money of Juan Dela Cruz in the office of the latter. The investigators
then of the case have requested polygraph examination of said suspect. Applying the
several techniques are shown in the preceding pages.
Q# TYPE QUESTION
1Q IQ Is your first name Jerry?
2Q IQ Do you know that today is Thursday?
3Q WRQ Between 1-5 PM of June 10, 2006 did you open the table drawer
of Juan Dela Cruz?
9Q KQ Do you know who stole the P50, 000.00 cash money of Juan Dela
Cruz?
10Q SCQ Have you ever stolen anything from your current employment?
Upon finishing the first test, here is another part of the test; the examiner will show to
the subject seven (7) variously numbered cards, face down. The cards are set in such
a way the examiner will right away know which card which has been chosen by the
subject. The numbers 7, 11, and 13 should not be used because other subjects are
too superstitious and numbers 6 and 9 should not be included to avoid confusion on
the part of the subject. The cards with numbers 15, 8, 5, 3, 4, 14, and 12 are used.
The subject is given an instruction to get a card, look at it and memorize the number
of the card that was chosen and return it without showing or telling the number to the
examiner. After the selection is finished, the examiner shuffles the cards and will
instruct the subject to answer NO to each question regarding the cards, even if the
number of the card he has chosen is asked by the examiner. In short one of the
subject’s answers to the questions is a LIE.
The verification test is intended to assure the innocent examinee of the accurateness
of the test and of the test and of the competency of the polygraphist. It further serves
to arouse the guilty examinee.
This test contains questions previously asked in the General Question test (GQT).
With the same number of the same question on the earlier test, the sequence is shown
in the table below.
Q# TYPE QUESTION
1Q IQ Is your first name Jerry?
3Q WRQ Between 1-5 PM of June 10, 2006, did you open the table drawer
of Juan Dela Cruz?
9Q KQ Do you know who stole the P50, 000.00 cash money of Dela
Cruz?
10Q SCQ Have you ever stolen anything from your current employment?
Q# TYPE QUESTION
4Q IQ Are you married?
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10Q SCQ Have you ever stolen anything from your current employment?
5Q SRQ Were you the one who actually stole the missing P50, 000.00
cash money of Juan Dela Cruz?
10Q CQ Have you ever stolen anything from your current employment?
Two important points was found to be essential in order to achieve the utmost benefits
from the test: First, the subject should understand clearly that in this kind of test (SAT)
the subject will be asked of the same questions just like on his previous tests and is
exactly in the order they were asked before. Secondly, it is significant for the subject
to understand that though he is not to answer all test questions silently in his mind with
truthful answers only.
PURPOSE OF EACH TEST
TEST I The two irrelevant questions are designed to condition the subject to have
standard tracing and establish truth-telling pattern for the primary part of
the record.
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TEST III To determine the responsiveness of the subject to critical questions and also
serves as a check on possibility of spot respond.
1. YES TEST is conducted when there are distortions arose on the general question
test (GQT), card or third test, the yes test should be administered before the
mixed question test. The YES TEST is performed by giving instruction to the
subject to answer yes to all the questions to be asked including those questions
that pertains to the issue under investigation. The control question is removed as
a preventive measure for the subject to avoid from being concerned over the
control questions and having a temptation to distort the polygraph record.
3. PEAK OF TENSION TEST is applicable when the subject was not informed by
the investigator or any other person or the print media of all the vital facts of the
offense in question.
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The investigator prepares seven (7) questions in which one of them has a
specific bearing on the case under investigation. The specific question must refer
to several facts of the event that the subject doesn’t know.
http://www.truthverifier.com.htm l
http://wwwpolytest.org/polyfaq.htm
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1)
CHAPTER X
CHART MARKING WITH LEGAL AND JUDICIAL VALUE OF
THE POLYGRAPH RESULTS
Chart marking is the process of writing standard and customized signs on the
polygraph chart to denote the subject’s reactions and other circumstances that occur
during the actual polygraph test. Marking the paper chart while the polygraph pens are
writing on it will facilitate the evaluation and interpretation of the subject’s reactions.
Chart marking is a procedure that plays a vital role. Neglecting the appropriate chart
marking procedure for a couple of seconds may cause misinterpretations later on that
further result to tragic consequences. Simply failing to punctually write the stimulus
marks on the paper chart that will cause misinterpretation of the polygram.
Stimulus marks are short vertical lines (normally about 1/8 of an inch) placed below
the descending stroke of the cardio tracing denoting exactly the beginning and at the
end of the stimulus question.
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It was Cleve Backster who developed and introduced uniform chart marking. In
1959, he completed a 4-page article entitle “Uniform Chart Marking” which was
published by CH Stoelting Company. Standardized chart markings used by the PE/FP
in conducting a polygraph examination enable the reconstruction of the test conditions
for subsequent independent review and analysis.
Other markings written on the paper chart which are necessary for identification and
filing purposes. Take note that after the actual test, the subject is required to put his
signature along the 3 (or 4) tracings on the Polygram for purposes of positive
identification (ID). Specifically, the markings are written above the pneumo tracing
near the beginning of the paper chart, are the following:
IN GENERAL
In 1972, in the case of Reid vs. State, the Indiana Supreme Court sustained the
admissibility of Polygraph Test Results for the purpose of rebutting the defendant’s
testimony, but it did so upon the basis of a “waiver” concept, because the defendant’s
testimony had filed a pre-trial petition for an order permitting him to submit to a
polygraph examination. Judge Charles W. Jeiner of the District Court of Michigan
admits or sustained the admissibility of the Polygraph Results as evidence in the case
on the “United States vs. Ridling”. He also stated that in order that the Polygraph
Results may be admitted as an evidence, it must passed thereof the two essential
requisites/grounds; a. if a subject agrees to take a Polygraph Test after being aware
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of his privilege to refuse (following the Miranda warnings, where required), he waives
his privilege. B. There can be no coercion at the time the Test is taken if it is to be a
valid test.
In USA, they have specific laws that provide sanctions regarding the use of polygraph
method. The most significant law is the Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)
of 1988. This law prohibits most private employers from using polygraph testing to
screen applicants for employment. It does not however affect public employees such
as police agencies or other governmental institutions.
In criminal cases, the history regarding the use of polygraph goes way back in 1932
during the investigation of the Lindbergh Kidnapping Case.
At the US Federal level, there have been specific legal cases that have shaped
the admissibility of results of polygraph examination. The results of these cases are
mixed- there have been some federal circuits that have admitted polygraph results,
while others have flatly denied them. Here are just a few of the legal cases that have
shaped how polygraphs are viewed by the US Courts:
- US v. Piccinonna
- US v. Galbreth
PHILIPPINES
In the Philippines, no law has been enacted yet to officially permit or limit the use of
polygraph machines. Nor is there any proposed bill regarding polygraph examination
that is already filed at the congress, Hopefully, a law similar to EPPA of 1988 of USA
will proposed here in our country for the future.
In the Philippines, in People of the Philippines Vs. Amado Daniel alias “Amado
Ato” accused-appellant (86 SCRA 511-541), the Supreme Court quoted that; “The
efficacy of the Polygraph depends upon the time, place and the circumstances when
taken and the nature of the Subject”.
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Other criminal cases in the Philippines that involve the use of polygraph
examination results are the following:
2. People of the Philippines vs. Danilo J. Bajas (Criminal Case No. 92-
7817 at the RTC of Makati Branch 146 MM). (Illegal Possession of Firearm).
3. Judith Asilo vs. Melanio M. Sporas; Virginia L. Sporas and Elena
Falzon.
(Criminal Case No. 94-6985 at the RTC of Makati Branch 146 MM) (Estafa)
Civil cases involving results of polygraph examination are included in the following
civil cases:
1. Crisencia Isaguirre vs. Elvira Isaguirre, et. al. (Civil case No. 58092
filed in the RTC of Pasig Branch 162 MM)
As of this time, results of polygraph examination are not admissible in the Philippine
Courts. There are three (3) basic arguments/ reasons why at this stage result of
polygraph examination is not yet admissible as evidence:
Asides from this case, there are several cases I our country both civil and criminal
cases where the results of the Polygraph Test were taken into accounts or
considerations.
The Basic law that provides legal sanctions covering criminal confessin is found in the
1987 Constitutional provision was further emphasized in other subsequent sections.
RA No. 7438, otherwise known as the law that defines the rights of the accuse under
custodial investigation must have to be observed during criminal interrogation as part
f the Miranda Doctrine/Warning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2BLBvYlx24
Using a Polygraph
Examination (Lie Detector) in
Criminal Defense
References:
King-eo, Chester (2006). Introduction to Specific Lie Detection. Unpublished notes
from the University of the Cordilleras: Baguio City
http://www.truthverifier.com.html http://wwwpolytest.org/polyfaq.htm
Module: Lie Detection Techniques (3/1)