REVIEW LECTURE

ON
POLYGRAPHY
by:
HERMOGENES P. MALAGAMBA
 DEFINITION OF TERMS:
• Admission-is a self-incriminating
statement falling short of
acknowledgement of guilt.
• Black lie- is a kind of lie used by a
person to deceive others.
• Blood Pressure Cuff Assembly- part of
the cardio component attached on the
right arm of the subject.
• Cardiosphygmograph- a device which
consist of blood pressure cuff and rubber
pump and is fastened around the
subject’s right arm. It records the
changes in pulse rate and blood pressure.
• Chart or Polygrams- refers to the composite
record of the pneumograph, galvanograph,
and cardiosphygmograph tracing recorded
from one series of questions.
• Circumstantial evidence- is a series of
events upon which the guilt or innocence of a
person is inferred.
• Confession- is the voluntary statement made
by a person and given to proper authorities
wherein he acknowledged himself to be guilty
of an offense and discloses circumstances of
his felonious act of the share and participation
which he had in it.
• Control Questions- these are
answerable by NO and it is designed to
produce a response from an innocent
subject.
• Deception- is an act of deceiving or
misleading usually accomplished by
lying.
• Detection-is an act of discovering the
existence, presence or fact of something
hidden or obscure.
• Dicrotic Notch- is a short horizontal
line on cardio tracing located at the
middle of diastolic stern.
• Emotion- is an acute disturbance of
an individual as a whole,
psychological in origin involving
behavior conscious experience and
visceral functions.
• Evidence Connecting Questions-
these are intended to stimulate the
subject and focus his attention on the
probability of incriminating proof that
would tend to establish his guilt.
• Examiner or Polygraph expert-is
one who is conducting polygraph
examination.
• Finger Electrode Plate- a part of the
galvanograph assembly attached on
the left fingers of the subject.
• Fear- is an emotional response to
specific danger that appears to be
beyond the person’s defensive power.
Keymograph- is a motorized component
of the polygraph machine that pull or drive
the chart paper under the recording pen at
the rate of 6 to 12 inches per minute.
• Galvanograph- a component part of a
polygraph machine that is used to record
the subjects skin resistance to a small
amount of electricity. It is made up of
electrodes attached to the finger of the
left hand, or to the index and ring finger
of the left hand or to the palmar or dorsal
surface of the left hand.
• General Question Test-consists of a
series of irrelevant and relevant
questions ask in a planned manner.
• Heredity- is the transmission of mental
and physical traits from parents to
offspring.
• Irrelevant Questions-are those query
that do not relate to the matter under
investigation and deals with a known
fact which the subject cannot lie.
Peak of Tension Test- this is answerable
only by NO and this test is only made
possible when there is no widespread
publicity about a crime where intimate
details as to the method of commission
of certain facts of the case is only known
by the suspect, the victim and the
investigator.
• Keymograph- is a motorized
component of the polygraph machine
that pull or drive the chart paper under
the recording pen at the rate of 6 to 12
inches per minute.
• Lying- is the conveying or uttering of
the falsehood or misleading impression,
with the intention of affecting
wrongfully the acts, opinion or affection
to another.
• Lie detector Machine-is a device or
instrument that helps determine
whether the person is telling a lie or the
truth.
• Normal Tracing- a tracing of the
subject which produced when no
irrelevant question was asked.
• Pneumograph-is a device which
records the changes of respiration and
breathing of the subject, consisting of
a ten (10) inches convoluted tubes
fastened together around the subject’s
abdomen and chest.
• Polygraphy- is the scientific method
of detecting deception with the use of
a polygraph machine.
• Reaction- refers to any activity aroused
in an organism by a stimulus. It is an
action or mental attitude induced by an
external influence.
• Relevant Questions-are direct query
having precise and specific relation with
the felony. It is designed to produce
emotional response in the subject’s
trying to craft deceptive statements. It is
answerable by NO.
• Response- refers to any inhibition or
activity of previous motion of an
organism or of effector organ or part of
the organism resulting from stimulation
or suggestion.
• Specific Response-is any variation
or deviation from the normal tracing
of the subject.
Normal Response- a tracing on the
chart wherein the subject answered
the irrelevant questions.
• Sphygmomanometer-is the part of
the cardio component which indicates
the air pressure in the system in
millimeter of mercury.
• Stimulus-refers to the motion or
force reaching the organism and
excite the receptors. It is a force that
produces the organism or any of its
part to activity.
• Strong Relevant Question-refers to a
verbal motivation of primary importance
projected in a form of a question which
overcomes the psychological excitement
level and causes three major component
tracing change from the subject’s
psychological norm.
• Subject or the examinee is a person
undergoing a polygraph examination or test.
• Weak Relevant Questions- are secondary
queries which are concerned with the less
important elements of the offense and deals
mostly on guilty knowledge and partial
involvement.
• Bellows ˗ an accordion-like device that contracts
when the tubes expand. This bellows is attached to a
mechanical arm, which is connected to an ink-filled
pen that makes marks on the scrolling paper when
the subject takes a breath.
• Transducers ˗ in Computerized Polygraph Machine,
this instrument, converts the energy of the displaced
air of pneumograph into electronic signals.
• False positive - The response of a truthful person is
determined to be deceptive. "If we look at
laboratory-based studies, false-positive errors occur
somewhat more often than false-negative errors,”.
• False negative - The response of a deceptive
person is determined to be truthful.
 Concepts of Polygraph
Examination
1.Used to test an individual for the
purpose of detecting deception or
verify the truth of statement
2.Records identifiable physiological
reactions of the subject, such as;
blood pressure, pulse rate,
respiration and skin resistance.
3. The effectiveness of the polygraph
in recording symptoms of deceptions
is based on the theory that a
conscious mental effort on the part of
a normal person to deceive causes
involuntary physiological changes
that are in effect a body’s reaction to
an imminent danger to its well being.
What are the objectives of a Polygraph Examination?

1. Obtain additional investigation leads to the

facts of the case/offenses.
2. Ascertain if a person is telling the truth
3. Locate the fruits or tools of the crime or
whereabouts of wanted persons.
4. Identify other persons involved.
5. Obtain valuable information form reluctant
witnesses
6. Eliminate the innocent suspects.
 What are the Principal uses of the polygraph?

1. Aid in investigation
2. Speeds up processing of
investigation
3. Eliminates innocent suspects
4. Pre-employment screening
5. Honesty test (Periodic test)
•To the Subject
•To the Organization
•To the Client
•To the Polygraph
Profession and to
Himself
METHODS OF DETECTING
DECEPTION

• Balance ordeal
• Boiling water ordeal
• Donkeys tail ordeal
• Red Hot Iron Ordeal
• Red Water Ordeal
• Rice Chewing Ordeal
 SCIENTIFIC METHODS OF
DETECTING DECEPTION
• Polygraph Examination
• Word Association Test
• Use of Hypnotism
• Use of Alcoholic Beverages
• Administration of Truth Serum
or Narco-analysis Test
• Psychological Stress Evaluator
Psychological Stress Evaluator
 SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF EMOTIONAL
TENSION

• Color change
• Sweating
• Inability to look straight in the
investigator’s eyes
• Change in heart rate and pulse beat
• Holding of breath
• Dryness of mouth and throat
• Peculiar and unusual expression
• Unusual behavior
 KINDS OF LIE
• White lie
• Black lie
• Red lie
• Malicious lie
KINDS OF LIAR
• Pathological
• Professional
MAJOR COMPONENTS
OF A POLYGRAPH
MACHINE
Major Component Parts
of Polygraph Machine
 Cardio-sphygmograph Component
• Blood pressure cuff which is installed
on the upper right arm of the subject,
slightly above the brachial artery.
• Sphygmomanometer which is utilized
to indicate the amount of air pressure
inflated to the system.
• Pump bulb assembly which inflates air
into the system, also known as an air
pump it has a hose connecting the blood
pressure cuff through which the blood
pressure changes and passed into the
recording pen.
• Resonance control unit which is used for
reducing or increasing the amount of air
pressure to reach the brass bellows (tambour)
and thus reduce or increase the amplitude of
pen excursions.
• Centering control which is used to provide
adjustment of the tracing so that the composite
records pattern would be on the guideline.
• Vent which provides the means by which air in
the system can be released.
• Recording pen (5 inches long) which is used
to record blood pressure pulse rate changes on
the chart paper by means of a five (5)
inch recording pen.
 Pioneers that contributed to the development &
use of the Cardiospyghmograph in lie detection:
• Cesare Lombroso – An Italian scientist who
in 1885 used hydrosphygmograph procedure
and was credited to be the pioneer who
envisioned the idea of using scientific
procedures to lie detection. He is considered
as the first person to use an instrument for
the purpose of detecting deception.
• Angelo Mosso – A pioneer who developed
in 1895 a type of sphygmomanometer and
utilized a scientific cradle and focus on the
significance of fear as an indication of
deception.
 Dr. William Moulton Marston (1893-1947)
was born in Cliftondale, Massachusetts where
he received three degrees, an A.B. in 1915, an
LL.B. in 1918 and a PH.D. in 1921. He was a
physician, the developer o the theory we use
today for the DISC system and other important
devices, and the creator of the comic book
character Wonder Woman.
• Marston was also the creator of the
systolic pressure test, which lead to the
creation of the polygraph (lie detector).
Because of his discovery, Marston was
convinced that women were more
honest and reliable than men and could
work faster and more accurately.
• John A. Larson – A pioneer
who in 1921 developed an
instrument capable of
simultaneously and
continuously recording blood
pressure, pulse rate and
respiration. His invention was
designated as the “Bread Lie
Detector”.
 Galvanograph Component

• Finger electrodes assembly

which has a finger electrode plate
and retainer bond attached to the
left index and ring finger of the
subject. And a connecting plug
designed to fasten the system to the
polygraph machine.
• Recording pen unit which is
usually 7 inches in length.
• Amplifier unit which is made to
support the galvanometer in
converting electrical to mechanical
current.
Personalities involved in the development & use
of galvanograph:

• Sticker-(1897) worked on the galvanograph

component & studied the influence and
relation of the sweat glands to skin resistance.
• Veraguth- (1907)formulated the term
psycho-galvanic skin reflex. He claimed that
electrical phenomena are due to the activity
of the sweat glands.
• Richard O. Arthur- developed and
improvised polygraph machine with two
galvanic skin resistance.
 Pneumograph component
• Rubber convoluted tube which is ten
(10) inches in length corrugated rubber
attached to the chest and abdominal
area of the subject. One end of the tube
is sealed and the other end is connected
to the instrument by a rather thick
walled rubber tube considerably larger
in diameter than the pneumograph tube
itself, it expands and contracts as the
subject breathes.
• The beaded chain another component
of the pneumograph assembly is used
to fix in place the rubber convoluted
tube.
• Pneumograph recording unit is
made up of brass bellows, a frame,
crankshaft, countershaft, adjustable
fulcrum, bearing with adjusting screw,
pen cradle and pen centering control.
Volume changes of the chest caused
by breathing is transmitted to the
chest assembly to the recording unit.
 Contributors to the development of
pneumograph:
• Harold Burtt- a scientist who, in 1918
determined that the respiratory changes were
signs of deception and concluded that systolic
pressure changes are valuable in determining
deception.
• Vittorio Benussi-(1914) noted the changes
in inhalation and exhalation ratio occuring
during deception. He recorded the respiratory
curves of the pneumograph.
 Keymograph Component
• A motor which drive or pull the paper or chart
under the recording pen at the rate of 6 to 12
inches per minute.
• The chart must travel at uniform speed to
facilitate valid interpretations. Chart rolls are
approximately 100 ft. Holes spaced ½ inch
apart. The paper is imprinted with horizontal
lines at ¼ inch interval twenty (20) divisions and
vertical lines at 1/10 inch interval with heavy
lines at ½ inch divisions across the paper which
represents 5 seconds of time. Pulse rate per
minute may be computed by multiplying the
number of beats counted in one division by 12.
 The Parts of KEYMOGRAPH:
• Chart is a rolled graph paper
composed of 12 divisions in sixty
(60) seconds run designed to
measure the rate of various body
functions.
• Rubber roller which pull the
paper out of the machine.
• Paper rail guide serves to secure
or ensure the chart paper’s forward
movement without shaking.
 Personalities involved in the
development of KEYMOGRAPH:
Leonard Keeler (1926) An American
criminologist who invented the
kymograph machine. In 1949, the
“KEELER’s Polygraph” incorporated
the galvanograph with measurement,
blood pressure & respiration
component & keymograph
component.He also devised a metal
recording bellow, rolled chart paper
and the method of question
formulation used in polygraph
examination.
 Other contributors:
• Sir James Mackenzie- an English heart
specialist who first described the
polygraph machine as the “Ink
Polygraph”.
• Cleve Backster – created the numerical
scoring on the polygraph chart and
standardized quantitative polygraph
technique.
• E Calton – credited for devising the
“word association test”
• John E. Reid - developed
improvement with the
conventional polygraph by
incorporating muscular resistance
his device was known as the Reid
Polygraph. He was also credited
for the development of the SAT
and Control Question test.
 PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL
ASPECTS OF DECEPTION

• Emotion refers to an acute disturbance in

origin involving behavior conscious
experience and instinctive functioning. It is
generally accepted that the human mind
greatly influences all bodily functions. The
principle and theory behind detecting
deception relies of the dogma that involuntary
and automatic bodily changes accompany
deception. Such alterations are not derived
from consciousness of guilt but viewed as a
result of fear of exposure and being detected.
• The origin of such physiological changes is the
hypothalamus, the area of the brain which
acts as the control center for the integration of
emotional expressions. This ends out the
automatic response to physical and
psychological stimulation. When a warning of
danger is perceived, this control center
dispatch message through the nervous system
to prepare the whole organism for fight or fight
defense mechanism. An evident and
manifested result would be an increase in
pulse rate and blood pressure.
• External responses are easy to
learn. Any person may control
his postural and facial
reaction. A lying subject can
master the art of telling story
which although is untrue, but
sticks together.
 VARIOUS SYMPTOMS OF GUILT
RESPONSE OBSERVABLE IN LYING
SUBJECTS
Symptoms of deception under
internal guilt response:
• Quickening of heart palpitation;
• Gripping of the intestine;
• Dryness of the mouth;
• Sinking feeling in the fit of the
stomach;
• Uncontrollable impulse to swallow
saliva.
 Symptoms of deception under
external guilt response:
• Postural reaction
– Subjects hands and feet exhibiting state of
uneasiness;
– In ability of the subjects eye to look
straight to the investigator or examiner;
– Peculiar monotone of voice;
– Fidgeting with the fingers, tapping or
drumming on the table or chair;
– Excessive movement of the Adam’s apple
in male subjects.
• Facial Expression
– Dilation of the eyes, protrusion of
the eyeballs and elevation of the
upper eyelid.
– Blushing, paling and profuse
sweating on the forehead
– Twitching at the corner of the
lips.
– Excessive winking and movement
of the vein at the temple.
 DISGUST

HAPPY SAD FEAR ANGER

 PHASES INVOLVED IN THE
CONDUCT OF POLYGRAPH TEST
• Initial Interview
• Pre-test Interview
• Actual Test
• Post Test Interview
 INITIAL INTERVIEW - How
conducted?
• This is usually conducted by the
investigator handling the case or a
polygraph examiner who was
given brief but significant details of
the case & it is designed to obtain
pertinent information necessary
for the conduct of the test.
• Test questions are prepared by the
polygraph examiner based from
the facts and information.
 The investigator on case should brief
the examiner of the facts pertaining to:
1.Background information specifically previous
police records and verified facts which the
subject denies;
2.Exact amount of money or specific articles
stolen;
3. Exact type, make of firearm, weapon or tool
used in the commission of the crime;
4. Exact place, date & time when the crime
occurred;
5. Un-usual aspects of the offense or any odd,
strange or obscene acts committed at the
crime scene;
6. Known facts pertaining to the suspects
actions and movements immediately
preceding or after the incident;
7. Facts indicating a connection between
victims, suspects and witnesses;
8. Unpublicized facts of the offense known
only by the victim, the offender and the
investigator;
9. Results of the laboratory tests
conducted like DNA, blood type, firearm
identification and the like.
 Pre-test Interview
This is administered by the polygraph
examiner designed to condition or
prepare the subject for the actual
polygraph test. Its duration usually lasts
for 20 to 30 minutes. At this stage, the
rights of the subject are explained, his
consent are obtained as well as personal
data and the determination whether the
subject is mentally, physically and
psychologically prepared to undergo the
test.
Prior to the polygraph examination
the following considerations are
taken into account:
1. The patient should avoid taking medication
for at least two (2) days prior to the
examination;
2. The subject should not be hungry;
3. The subject must refrain from smoking at
least two (2) hours prior to the test;
4. The subject must refrain from consuming
alcoholic beverages for at least twelve (12)
hours prior to the actual test;
5. The subject should not be suffering
from physical or emotional abuse;
6. The subject should calm down and
relaxed;
7. If the female subject is pregnant or
having menstruation, the test will not be
undertaken;
8. The subject should not wear tight
apparels or clothing as this may cause
inference in the test results;
9. The subject should have at least five (5)
hours of sleep prior to the examination.
 Before the actual polygraph examination is
administered on the subject, the examiner must
undertake the following necessary preparations:

1. The appraisal of the subject’s constitutional

rights;
2. Obtain the subjects consent to undergo a
polygraph examination;
3. Take notes of the subjects personal data;
4. Advise subjects’ involvement about the
case;
5. Evaluate subject’s psychological
preparedness;
6. Determine subject’s suitability to undergo
the test.
 Actual Test
This is the stage wherein the component
parts of the polygraph machine is actually
installed on the body of the subject.

The Ideal Examination Room

1.The room must be spacious for two
persons with a polygraph desk, subject’s
chair with arm rest and an examiner’s
stool;
2.The room must be devoid of pictures,
paintings, ornaments and other decors;
3.The room must be well ventilated &
lighted;
4. The room must be private and 90
percent soundproof free from outside
noise & distracting influence;
5. Installed with a one way mirror and
remote sound system or video device
and amplifier for monitoring and
recording the test proceedings to
authorized observers;
6. The polygraph machine should be
tested and widely used by most Asian
countries, latest version, well
maintained and in a well running
condition.
 Post Test Interview
A method of interrogation is
administered by the examiner to
obtain admission or confession.
An interview is conducted when the
subject indicates innocent response
while interrogation is undertaken if
symptoms of deception are indicated
by the results of the actual polygraph
test.
The subject, when innocent is cordially
released & thanks extended by the
examiner for his/her consideration &
cooperation.
The interrogatory technique is applied
to secure admission or confession
using the ff. procedures:
1. Inform the subject that he cannot be cleared
from his chart;
2. Convince the subject that the responses
were result of his emotion & not by means
of any mechanical manipulations;
3. Use sympathetic and persuasive attitude as
well as perseverance in eliciting confession
or admission;
4. Point out recorded reactions with brief
explanations of their importance as as
objective, tangible & concrete evidence
to be used against the subject;
5. Listen attentively to any
implications, pursue a line of mild
interrogation as to the reasons why
the criminal act was committed;
6. Rationalize the subject’s act by
offering a way to excuse his conduct
or minimize the significance or swing
the blame to someone or to some
situation.
7.If confession is coming allow the
subject to relate it in his own version;
8. Carefully listen to specific details
& write it down at first instance;
9. Never make any promise as to
immunity, reward or leniency;
10. Inform the investigator on case;
11. If no confession was given,
cordially release the subject;
 POLYGRAPH TECHNIQUES AND
TEST QUESTIONS
• Test Question techniques
• Rules to be observed in formulating test
questions;
• Types of questions
– Irrelevant
– Relevant
– Secondary or weak relevant questions
– Control questions
 TYPES OF TEST QUESTIONS:
A. Irrelevant questions are those pertaining to
basic data and information regarding the
background of the subject not related to the
case but are ask to establish the normal
response of the subject. Eg. Name, address,
age etc.. Such questions is only answerable
by “Yes”.
B. Relevant questions are those queries
related to the issue which may be classified as
strong relevant or weak relevant which
indicate deception on the part of the subject.
Weak relevant may be divided into three,
namely: (a) knowledge questions which is
given for the purpose of determining
information known to the subject; (b) Evidence
connecting questions which is designed to
link the subject and the crime; (c) Sacrifice
questions which is used to determine
truthfulness on the part of the subject. It is
answerable by “No”.
Relevant questions are further classified with
respect to their stimulation effect as strong or
primary relevant or secondary or weak
questions.
Strong relevant or crucial questions is
designed to test for direct involvement which
is specifically designed to produce an
emotional response in guilty subjects it having
an intense specific relationship to the crime.
Secondary questions on the other hand are
formulated and given to bring about guilty
knowledge or partial involvement.
Secondary or weak relevant questions is
further classified as either:
1) Sacrifice relevant questions that which
reveals subject’s norms & stimulus excitement
level and gives a clue which pertains to the
attitude of the subject’s acceptance; such as
“Do you wish to truthfully answer all the
questions?
2) Knowledge questions designed to test
whether the subject possesses information
regarding the location of the evidence,
identity of the suspect or other similar secondary
elements of the case under investigation.
3) Evidence connecting questions is
formulated to arouse the guilty subject &
focus his attention on the likelihood of
incriminating proof that would tend to
establish his guilt.
C) Control questions which refers to queries
which may either be relevant or irrelevant
designed to establish & obtain response from
an innocent subject. It is sometimes referred
to as a probable lie. It provides a basis for
evaluating the subjects perceptual set.
It is classified into primary control questions
which is based on a lie & a secondary control
question which is based upon other aspects of
wrongdoing.

TEST PROCEDURES

1.All test or polygraph examination must be

conducted only after having a pre-test
interview with the subject to condition him for
the test;
2. The polygraph examination should consist of
asking the subject a list of not more than
twelve (12) prepared questions in a planned
sequence.
3. There should be at least three (3) charts
taken with each chart which should not
exceed for four (4) minutes with a rest
interval of from five (5) to ten (10)minutes
between charts.

TYPES OF TESTS

The number of test required when the subject

indicates deception is at least five (5) test
which may be any of the foregoing:

●General Question Test- answerable by

“Yes” or “No”, questions in which the subject
knows it to be true.
• Peak of Tension Test – refers to the series
of questions in which only one has a bearing
on the matter under investigation. This is
conducted where there is a widespread
knowledge pertaining to a crime but the
intimate details are known only by the
offender. It is answerable by “No” only.

• Card Test- It is conducted immediately after

the completion of the first test while the
pressure cuff is still deflated. The subject is
ask to choose one from seven numbered
cards, take it and return the same without
telling the examiner or otherwise identifying
the chosen number. The card is then shuffled
by the examiner and instruct the subject to
answer “No” concerning the cards when
shown. This is to single out which among the
answers given by the subject is a lie. This is
undertaken to stimulate lying subjects into
specific responsiveness to the subsequent
relevant questions and to afford the lying
subject an opportunity to try to distort the
polygraph examination tracings which would
result in exposing his deception with respect
to the matter under investigation.
• Silent Answer Test -is a confirmatory test
because the subject is afraid of the unfamiliar
and the unknown. It is an examination in which
the subject is instructed by the examiner to
avoid audible response to the questions being
asked.
• Guilt Complex Test – in cases where the
subject is overly responsive, this test is given
which consists of a test pertaining to a purely
fictitious incident of a similar nature to the one
under query. It is designed to compare the
responsiveness on it with those that appeared
on the actual test record wherein questions are
those which pertains to that which is under
Investigation. This test is designed for diagnostic
purpose to aid in the post examination
interrogation of a lying subject.
●Mixed Question Test- This is consists of an
arrangement of first and third test questions,
administered for the purpose of discounting
possible factor of accidental responses and to
compare the degree of reaction between
control and relevant questions. The objective
of such changes in question choice of words is
to direct the subject’s attention to certain
particular items or situations and in so doing
arouse his concern that his earlier test records
may have disclosed some deception
respecting one or more of the previous
questions.
This question:
1) would indicate or refer to a subject who is
considered a moderate responder to both
control and relevant questions;
2) Would refer to an erratic responder &
3)Would refer to an unresponsive subject.
Advantages in using Mixed Test Questions
are as follows:
a) The mixed question test would permit
additional pin-pointer pairings of the relevant
& control question responses;
b) The mixed question test would allow the
examiner to check responsibility of spot
responses since some subjects would respond
at certain times during the test without
regard to questions being asked.
c) Mixed Questions – is administered during the
fourth exam which would guard against
subjects who may have anticipated the asking
of certain questions and may give anticipatory
response.
d) A subject may have given a response at the
end of the of the test due to discomfort, by
changing on the fourth test, the mixed
question such occurrence would be excluded.

Re-examination – after all the five tests have

been administered and the polygraph
examiner was not able to make a definite
diagnosis, an arrangement should be made
 for a re-examination of the subject at a later
date. This situation occurs 10% of cases under
investigation where the polygraph
examination has been used. During this
discussion where examiner finalizes the
arrangement for re-examination, it would be
helpful to observe the subjects comments and
general behavior ordinarily different from
those of a subject who is determined to be
lying.
Experience would show that persons who are
truthful would comply and adhere to the pre-
scheduled re-examination even if not under
the custody of the police; on the other hand
untruthful subjects are prone to break the
The promise or arrangement to come back for a re-
examination.
PROCEDURE FOR THE SUBJECT’S
REEXAMINATION
1. The subject is required to sit on the chair as
soon as he/she enters the examination room;
2. Attachment of the component parts of the
polygraph machine on the subject’s body
follows;
3. Any comments or suggestions from the subject
should be given attention immediately after
attachment of all the parts of the polygraph
machine on the subject’s body;
4. When no comment or admission has been
made by the subject, proceed with the card
test and this time when the subject answers
“NO”, the test is ended without asking the
remaining cards; This will give a greater
positive ness pertaining to the efficiency of
the polygraph technique.
5. When the subject make a fuss or distortions
on the tracing when his chosen card was
mentioned, the examiner should ask one
other unselected card question and then
repeat the one pertaining to the chosen card.
 PSYCHOLOGICAL &
PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF
DECEPTION
• On the other hand, controlling
internal responses is hard to
accomplish seemingly next to
impossible. No person has been
known to suppress completely the
internal activity of the body such
as the rapid heart palpitations, the
rush of blood on the face and the
gripping of the intestines.
The conscious mental effort of a
normal person with intent to
deceive stimulates the emotion of
fear which leads to physiological
changes capable of being
transmitted and recorded into
different components of the
polygraph machine and accurately
interpreted and diagnosed with
certainty by a competent polygraph
examiner.
 KINDS OF RESPONSE

1. Normal Responses are responses

of the subject that has no bearing
on the matter under investigation.
2. Specific Responses are responses
which contain deviations or signs of
deception which has direct bearing
on the matter under investigation.
POLYGRAPH TRACING
General Rules to be followed in
formulating Test Questions:

1. Questions must be short as possible.

2. Questions must be direct and simple.
3. Questions should not be in the form of an
accusation.
4. All queries must be answerable by “yes” or
“no”.
5. The terms to be used should be clear &
understood by the subject.
6. All questions must refer to one offense
only.
7. All questions must refer to one
element of a felony.
8.Questions must not involve legal
terminologies.
9. All questions should not contain
inferences to one’s knowledge,
religion, race, ideology or belief.
 CHART MARKINGS &
INTERPRETATION OF THE
TRACINGS
 THE DESCRIPTIVE TYPES OF
BREATHING

a) Normal
b) Rapid
c) Slow
d) Shallow
e) Deep
f) Serrated inhalation or exhalation or both
g) Deviations caused by coughing or
mechanics of answering
SLOW TRACING

SERRATED TRACINGS
DEEP tracing
 PNEUMOGRAPH TRACINGS INDICATIVE OF
DECEPTION
a) Change in amplitude or volume;
b) Change in rhythm or regularity; Ex.
Shallow
c) Change in the inhalation and/or
exhalation ratio;
d) Change of baseline;
e) Loss of baseline;
f) Hyperventilation; (deep breathing)
g) Suppression;
h) Respiratory block.
 GALVANOGRAPH TRACINGS INDICATIVE OF
DECEPTION
The galvanograph tracing is located at the center
portion of the chart when properly balanced
takes the form of a slightly wavering line across
the middle portion of the chart with a minor
response to spoken stimuli. The ff are the
tracings:

a) Vertical rise at point of deception;

b) Double saddle response;
c) Plunging galvo tracing;
d) Long degree and/or duration of response
following point of deception.
 CARDIOSPHYGMOGRAPH TRACINGS
INDICATIVE OF DECEPTION

The tracing is usually found at the bottom of the

chart & it records the activity of the heart
which is made up of three physiological
phenomena: a systolic rate; a diastolic
stroke & a dicrotic notch. The normal pulse
rate of an average individual is 72 to 80
beats per minute. The tracings are the
following:
a) Increase or decrease in amplitude;
b) Increase or decrease in pulse rate;
c) Increase or decrease in blood pressure;
d) Change in the position or disappearance of
dicrotic notch;
e) Extra systoles –which is the premature
contraction of an auricle or ventricle while
the fundamental rhythm of the heart is
maintained.

INTERPRETATION & ANALYSIS OF CHARTS

TAKEN IN THE PEAK OF TENSION TEST

1. Any increase or decrease to point of

deception than a level tracing;
2. An increase to point of deception and then
decrease;
3. A decrease to point of deception and then
an increase;
4. Level tracing to point of deception and then
an increase or decrease;
5. Irregular to point of deception and then a
smooth tracing;
6. Smooth to point of deception and then an
erratic tracing;
7. Any alteration that may take place at point
of deception.
 SOME FACTORS OTHER THAN SPECIFIC
RESPONSE WHICH ARE CONSIDERED AS
POSSIBLE DECEPTION

1. Degree of reaction;
2. Distribution of reactions;
3. Duration of reaction;
4. Latent period of time;
5. Rate of change of the curve;
6. Trend of gross curve.
 LIMITATIONS OF POLYGRAPH

1. It is an invaluable investigative aid, but never a

substitute for investigation.

2. It is not a lie detector; it is a scientific diagnostic

instrument.

3. It does not determine facts, it record responses to that

which the subject knows to be true.

4.It is only as accurate as the examiner is competent.

5. The test will not be given until enough facts have been
established to permit the examiner to prepare a complete
set of suitable questions.
:
6. The test will not be given without the voluntary
consent of the subject.

7. No indication will be given to any person or placed in

any report that a person will be considered guilty
because he refused to take the test.

8. A test will not be given until the accusations have

been explained with the subject.

9. No attempt to use Polygraph for mental or physical

evaluation of any person.

10. No examination will be conducted on unfit subject.

 BARRIERS TO POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

There are instances where it is impossible to make an

analysis of polygraph tests because of the following:

1.Pathological liar (a person who cannot determine right and

wrong).

2.Mental cases.

3.Persons under the influence of intoxicating liquor.

4.Narcotics related cases.

5.Various heart and other organic troubles.

 LEGAL STATUS OF POLYGRAPHY

• Point of cross-examination during court

appearance
• Qualifications of an examiner
• Barriers and limitations of polygraph
• Minimum Requirements for a valid
Polygraph Examination
– The Polygraph Examiner
– The Subject or Examinee
– The Polygraph Technique
– The Polygraph Instrument
 END…..

GOOD LUCK &

GOD BLESS!
Lecturers: HERMOGENES P. MALAGAMBA
STEVE P. CUTLER
MANUEL V. JAUDIAN