CICOSAT COLLEGE

Lingsat City of San Fernando, La union

College of Criminal Justice Education
FORENSIC 5

Name: Abaton Kenneth C. Year & BS Criminology 3 Bravo

Section:
Instructor: Jose B. Wacangan Date: 04/05/24
Activity: SCORE:
Module 3 Lesson 1: Introduction to Polygraph Examination
This lesson introduces the process of polygraph examination, emphasizing the importance of relevant and
control questions in formulating a valid test. It highlights the significance of proper administration for
obtaining reliable results, underscoring the need for understanding physiological responses recorded on
polygraph charts.
Lesson I: Effectiveness, Scientific Validity, and Limitations of the Polygraph
Test
Objectives of a Polygraph Examination:
The objectives of conducting a polygraph test in aid of criminal investigation include:
Ascertain truthfulness by verifying statements.
Obtain additional investigative leads.
Identify other involved persons.
Locate tools and fruits of crimes and wanted individuals.
Gather information from reluctant witnesses.
Assess loyalty in sensitive positions.
Eliminate innocent suspects.

Effectiveness of Polygraphy:
-Polygraph tests record physiological changes triggered by the fear of detection, not necessarily guilt.
-Greater motivation to deceive increases the likelihood of detection.
-Physiological changes such as respiration, blood pressure, and pulse can be indicators of deception.
-Polygraph tests can verify or discredit statements rapidly and accurately.

Definitions of Scientific Validity:

-Validity refers to the accuracy of detecting deception or truthfulness.
-Construct Validity: Measures if a test accurately assesses the trait it's designed for, such as deception.
-Reliability: Refers to the consistency of a test's results across multiple instances.
-Criterion Validity: Assesses the relationship between the test outcome and the criterion of truthfulness or
deception.
False Positives and Negatives:
-False positives occur when truthful individuals are labeled as deceptive.
-False negatives occur when deceptive individuals are labeled as truthful.
-Errors can result from examiner misinterpretation or subject factors.

Factors Affecting Validity of Polygraph Tests:

Setting:
-Instrument variation and examination room conditions can influence results.

Subject:
-Gender differences, socialization level, intelligence, and ethnic identity can impact test outcomes.

Examiner:
-Training and experience significantly affect the accuracy of test assessments.

Limitations of Polygraph:
-Polygraph is an investigative aid, not a substitute for thorough investigation.
-It's a diagnostic instrument, not a lie detector, and depends on examiner accuracy.
-Accuracy is contingent on prior investigation thoroughness and examiner proficiency.

Module 3 Lesson 2: Polygraph Instrumentation and Techniques

Lesson 2 delves into the components of a polygraph instrument, explaining their functions and how they
contribute to the examination process. It covers techniques for administering polygraph tests effectively,
stressing the importance of sensor positioning and calibration for accurate readings.

Lesson II: Countermeasures and Accuracy

Countermeasures:
-Countermeasures are deliberate techniques used by deceptive subjects during polygraph examinations to
appear non-deceptive.
-They include both physical and mental strategies aimed at concealing verbal deception.
-Examiners must remain vigilant during the examination to detect countermeasures.
-Anti-countermeasures can be employed by the examiner to deter and identify deceptive tactics.
Mental Countermeasures:
-These involve mental strategies such as rationalization, mental exercises, and hypnosis.
-Biofeedback, providing immediate biological information, can aid in voluntary physiological control but isn't a
countermeasure itself.

Hypnosis:
-Hypnotically induced amnesia can affect polygraph results, with subjects showing deceptive responses
even under posthypnotic amnesia.

Dissociation:
-Studies show that dissociation from relevant stimuli can decrease detection efficiency during polygraph
tests, indicating manipulation of attention affects test outcomes.

Physical Countermeasures:
-These involve deliberate manipulation of body parts to affect physiological data recorded during the
polygraph examination.
-Examples include controlling breathing rate or causing physiological reactions through movements or pain.
-Anti-countermeasures like motion detection chairs can aid in identifying and preventing physical
countermeasures.

Pharmaceutical Countermeasures:
-Drug use by examinees can influence polygraph results.
-Some drugs may impact test accuracy, while others may not have a significant effect.
-Studies show mixed results regarding the influence of drugs on polygraph outcomes.

Alcohol:
-Alcohol intoxication during a polygraph examination may reduce detection rates.
-However, its use as a countermeasure in simulated crime scenarios showed limited effectiveness.

Accuracy of Polygraph:
-Research on the validity and reliability of polygraph tests indicates high accuracy rates in criminal cases.
-Validity and reliability depend on both instrument measurements and examiner interpretation.
-Well-designed examinations by skilled examiners using computerized systems show close to 100%
accuracy.
-Licensing requirements for polygraph examiners in certain states ensure reliability and validity in test
administration.
-Criticisms of polygraph accuracy often stem from misinterpretation of inconclusive results and
misunderstandings of polygraph procedures.
-Certain physiological and psychological conditions may affect examination suitability.
-Despite controversies, research suggests that psychopathic individuals can still be detected through
physiological reactions during polygraph tests.
Debates and Perspectives:
-Some critics dismiss polygraph testing as inaccurate, referring to it as a "voodoo science" and claiming it
measures stress rather than lies.
-Proponents argue that with proper training and experience, polygraph examiners can accurately detect
deceptive behavior.
-Specific procedures and anti-countermeasures employed by skilled examiners can mitigate the impact of
anxiety and stress on test results.
-This lesson explores various countermeasures employed by deceptive subjects during polygraph
examinations and discusses the accuracy and reliability of polygraph testing, addressing both criticisms and
perspectives surrounding its use in criminal investigations.

Module 3 Lesson 3: Polygraph Chart Interpretation and Markings

This lesson focuses on the critical task of interpreting polygraph charts, emphasizing the examiner's
understanding of both physiological and psychological principles. It details the significance of respiratory,
galvanic skin response (GSR), and cardio tracing patterns, along with proper markings on polygraph charts
to facilitate accurate evaluation. Additionally, it introduces chart probing techniques aimed at clarifying
responses and gathering additional information during the examination.

First Test: This involves a structured set of questions and intervals to gauge the subject's physiological
responses, including irrelevant, weak relevant, and strong relevant questions.
Second Test: A test where the subject is asked to choose a number out of a set, and then answer a series
of questions with "no" responses, including the number they chose. This is to familiarize the subject with the
polygraph and observe their reactions.
Third Test: A rearrangement of the questions from the first test, aimed at stimulating different responses
from the subject, based on the results of the previous tests.
Mixed Questions Test: Designed to prevent subjects from anticipating specific questions by changing the
sequence of relevant and control questions.
Silent Answer Test (SAT): A technique where the subject is instructed to refrain from giving audible
answers and respond silently to the questions, which can sometimes elicit stronger physiological reactions.
Computerized Polygraph Technique: Involves using computer software to record, analyze, and generate
reports based on the polygraph test results.
Utah Approach to Comparison Question Polygraph Testing: A standardized approach to polygraph
testing developed through scientific research, focusing on the Comparison Question Test (CQT), with
variations for different testing scenarios.
Three-Question Format and Four-Question Format: Different formats for structuring polygraph tests
based on the number of questions and the specific requirements of the examination.
Test Data Analysis and Decision Criteria: Explanation of how test data is analyzed, scored, and
interpreted to determine the subject's truthfulness or deception.
Overall, this lesson provides a comprehensive overview of the techniques and procedures involved in
conducting polygraph tests to detect lies.

Module 3 Lesson 4: Advanced Chart Interpretation Techniques

Lesson 4 builds upon the foundation laid in previous lessons, offering advanced techniques for interpreting
polygraph charts. It provides a detailed analysis of breathing patterns, GSR, and cardio tracing, emphasizing
the importance of explaining deviations from normal patterns. Furthermore, it outlines cardinal rules and
descriptive types of breathing, underscoring the need for accuracy in chart interpretation to ensure reliable
results.

Chart interpretation and markings are crucial components of polygraph examinations. The examiner must
understand physiological and psychological principles to accurately interpret the data recorded on the
polygraph charts.
Key components of a polygraph chart include respiratory patterns, galvanic skin response (GSR), and cardio
tracing, each of which provides insight into the subject's physiological responses during questioning.

Proper chart markings are essential for accurate evaluation, including indications of the test's start and end,
question initiation and completion, subject's answers, and any external factors that may affect the results.

Chart probing involves asking the subject additional questions to clarify recorded responses, determine the
cause of reactions, calm the subject, or gather more information relevant to the examination.

Accuracy in chart interpretation relies on the examiner's ability to formulate relevant questions effectively
and interpret deviations from normal patterns, considering both physiological and psychological factors.

Cardinal rules in chart interpretation emphasize the need to explain any deviations from normal and discern
whether they stem from psychological or physiological sources.
Descriptive types of breathing patterns, such as normal, rapid, slow, shallow, deep, and serrated inhalation
or exhalation, can provide further insight into the subject's state during the examination.

In summary, each lesson in Module 3 contributes to the examiner's understanding of polygraph examination,
covering topics ranging from instrumentation to chart interpretation and probing techniques. The
explanations provided equip examiners with the knowledge and skills necessary for conducting effective and
reliable polygraph tests.