Recently the American Polygraph Association undertook an exhaustive review of all of the peer-reviewed publications on polygraph testing that represented field practices and which met the requirements of the APA Standards of Practice.  A meta-analysis was conducted, and a report was completed in late 2011.  An executive summary of the report is freely available to the public through this website. Please visit the Executive Summary of the Meta-Analytic Survey of Criterion Accuracy of Validated Polygraph Techniques page to download the summary and FAQ section.

The executive summary reports that 38 studies satisfied the qualitative and quantitative requirements for inclusion in the meta-analysis. These studies involved 32 different samples, and described the results of 45 different experiments and surveys. They included 295 scorers who provided 11,737 scored results of 3,723 examinations, including 6,109 scores of 2,015 confirmed deceptive examinations, 5,628 scores of 1,708 confirmed truthful exams. Some of the cases were scored by multiple scorers and using multiple scoring methods.   The data showed that techniques intended for event-specific (single issue) diagnostic testing produced an aggregated decision accuracy of 89% (confidence interval of 83% – 95%), with an estimated inconclusive rate of 11%.  Polygraph techniques in which multiple issues were encompassed by the relevant questions produced an aggregated decision accuracy of 85% (confidence interval 77% – 93%) with an inconclusive rate of 13%. The combination of all validated PDD techniques, excluding outlier results, produced a decision accuracy of 87% (confidence interval 80% – 94%) with an inconclusive rate of 13%. These findings were consistent with those of the National Research Council’s (2003) conclusions regarding polygraph accuracy, and provide additional support for the validity of polygraph testing when conducted in accordance with APA Standards of Practice.

Please note that this study concerned field or “real world” polygraph testing, and not laboratory experiments in which college students participated in mock crimes.  Participants in such laboratory experiments do not experience the same levels of emotional and mental activity as do persons in real world situations who undergo polygraph examinations.

Although not specifically addressed in the above meta-analysis, the most frequent errors leading to inaccurate test results may be caused by lack of proper examiner training, non-functioning equipment, failure to properly prepare the examinee for the examination, poorly worded test questions, failure to assess the examinee’s emotional and physical condition, improper use of testing techniques, a lack of quality control review, and mis-readings of the physiological data on the polygraph charts.

The American Polygraph Association (APA) believes that scientific evidence supports the validity of polygraph examinations that are conducted and interpreted in compliance with documented and validated procedure.

ID-Lies utilizes up to date, research driven testing formats approved and validated as effective by the American Polygraph Association.

Everyone who undergoes a polygraph is nervous.  Persons who are telling the truth may be concerned about what their physiological responses look like, and if those responses could make it appear that they might be lying.  This is called Operational Based Anxiety.  It is similar to what some people experience when visiting the dentist or doctor.  Persons who lie experience fear that their lies will be detected.  This is called Deception Based Anxiety.  Operational and Deception Based Anxieties are symptoms of the different thought processes and emotions experienced by examinees.

The polygraph examination is a methodical, step by step process.  An examinee is not immediately “hooked up” to the “machine” and made to answer questions in rapid fire sequence.  A real world polygraph examination is quite different from how they are depicted in movies and television shows in overly dramatized fashion.  During the Pre-Test Interview, the polygraph examiner will be patient with you, and explain all aspects of the examination and testing.  An Introductory Chart is first conducted with you to help you to further reduce general nervous tension you may be feeling.

Truthful persons may be nervous about undergoing the testing process, but that nervousness diminishes as the examination unfolds.  On the other hand, as the examination proceeds, untruthful persons experience heightened anxiety because they have formed the intent in their minds that they will lie to questions, and they fear their lies will be detected.

No.  In order to conduct a valid polygraph examination, outside distractions must be kept to a minimum.  Having a third party in the polygraph room during testing would cause the examinee to experience heightened Operational Based Anxiety, and may invalidate the test.  Since all polygraph examinations are video and audio recorded, there is no need for a third party to be in the testing suite.

Some clients have a long list of questions they want the examinee to be asked during testing.  ID-Lies utilizes only validated testing formats.  These formats have been proven by research to be accurate and reliable.  A maximum of four “relevant questions” can be asked for each test series.  A “relevant question” is a direct “did you do it” type of question, such as “Did you steal any of that missing money?”  “Since you’ve been married to Susie, have you had sex with another person?”  “Since age 18, have you tried, taken, or used any illegal drugs?”  During the Pre-Test Interview, the polygraph examiner will develop all test questions and review them with you.  You should exercise caution if other polygraph examiners are willing to ask long lists of questions during testing.  Such formats may result in your test being invalid.  For more detailed information, please see the following link:  http://www.911pi.co.il/en/articles/ValidatedPolygraphTechniques.pdf

Normally, test results are available within a few minutes after the test is completed.  The testing Polygraph Examiner will conduct Test Data Analysis on the polygraph charts and will inform you of the results.  You will also be provided with one copy of a Certified Polygraph Examination Report.

Most prescription and over the counter medications do not interfere with the purity of the physiological tracings on the polygraph charts.  However, you must advise the Polygraph Examiner of all medicines you take.  DO NOT STOP TAKING YOUR PRESCRIBED MEDICINE BEFORE YOUR TEST.  During the Pre-Examination Consult, the Polygraph Examiner will ask you about what medicines you take.

Anti-depressant medications  (Lithium, Prozac, Valium, Xanax, etc.) may interfere somewhat with the purity of a person’s physiological tracings on the charts by simply dampening one’s responses.   But these drugs do not allow someone to ‘beat’ a polygraph, contrary to some claims.

Academic and real world research has shown that persons who are highly manipulative and verbally skilled at lying make excellent polygraph test subjects.  A polygraph study conducted with persons who were diagnosed with sociopathic personalities revealed they were unable to suppress their physiological responses when lying to relevant questions.  So, the short answer to this question is “No”, however we are dealing with human behavior, and anything may be possible.  For more information, see the following link:  http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~kagan/phy596/Articles/LieDetectorTests/Psychophysiology1978-Lykken.pdf

ID-Lies charges a flat rate of $350.00 for polygraph examinations.  Should your requested examination require multiple issue tests to resolve separate issues, there is a charge of $250.00 for each additional test series.  In cases that require multiple persons to be tested for the same issue, the Examination Fee for the first person is $500.00, but only $250.00 for each additional person.  We also charge a non-refundable Deposit of $100.00 which is incorporated into the $350.00 Examination Fee when a person arrives for testing.  After the Pre-Test Interview begins, fees are non-refundable.  A client has the option of paying the entire Fee via our PayPal link, or just paying the $100.00 Deposit, and then paying the balance upon arrival for the examination.  See SERVICE FEES & SCHEDULING for full information.

There are several web-sites still on the Internet that propose to teach tactics of how to “beat” a polygraph test by using physical movements to interfere with the polygraph tracings. Recently one of these web-sites was shut down by the Department of Justice, and its sponsor arrested and charged with serious crimes. These movements are referred to as “countermeasures.”  ID-Lies uses an Activity Sensor Pad (ASP) for all polygraph examinations to detect physical countermeasures.   Additional protocols built into testing formats are also used to detect the use of countermeasures. ID-Lies has a zero tolerance for examinees who cheat during their polygraph tests. If it is determined an examinee is using countermeasures, the examination will be terminated at the Polygraph Examiner’s discretion.

With parental or guardian consent, we can polygraph children 14 years old, but usually not younger.  Children mature cognitively and emotionally at differing rates, so it would be necessary for the polygraph examiner to first do a Pre-Exam Consultation with the child to determine his or her level of maturity.   Polygraphs requested on persons under age 18 require written consent of parent / guardian, who must also be present during the polygraph examination.

No.  Research has shown that voice stress testing is a doubtful method of credibility assessment no more accurate than chance.  See these links for more information:

https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/219031.pdf

http://www.polygraph.org/section/press-room/position-voice-stress

http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/669.aspxe

No.  A blood pressure cuff will be affixed to your upper arm in the bicep area, or your forearm.  The cuff is inflated to get a stable reading of your blood flow and pulse rate during the test.  The cuff is not inflated as snugly as it is in your doctor’s office when your blood pressure is taken.  You will feel a slight pressure on your hand while the cuff is inflated.

Only under certain circumstances.  For example, if you are on court-ordered house arrest, or are wearing an ankle bracelet, we could conduct a polygraph in your home.  However, you must provide a room which is quiet, free of distractions from television, music, other noise, family members, pets, etc.  We prefer to conduct polygraph examinations in our offices, or the office of your attorney.

Yes.  If you are being polygraphed at the request of your attorney, all information and material including test results obtained as a result of the polygraph examination fall under the attorney-client privilege of confidentiality.  If your polygraph is not attorney related, ID-Lies still maintains strict confidentiality of your polygraph.  With the exception of a court order mandating release of information, all information and material, including test results obtained during the polygraph examination are held confidentially.

Yes.  The polygraph examination includes all interactions between the polygraph examiner and the client/examinee from the time of arrival at the location until departure.   A polygraph test is when the examiner asks the examinee/client a series of questions during The In-Test Phase.  A standard test runs approximately four minutes.  A series of tests is conducted during a polygraph examination.

In states that require polygraph examiners to be licensed, check with that state’s licensing agency to determine if the examiner is licensed.  You should also check to determine if the examiner is a member in good standing with professional polygraph associations such as the American Polygraph Association, the American Association of Police Polygraphists, or the National Polygraph Association.  Also check to see if the polygraph business is a member in good standing with the local Chamber of Commerce, and if there are been any complaints filed against the business with the Better Business Bureau.  ID-Lies holds memberships in the American Polygraph Association, the American Association of Police Polygraphists, the Maryland Polygraph Association, the International Association of Interviewers, and the Carroll County, Maryland Chamber of Commerce.

A properly conducted and administered polygraph examination takes between approximately 2 and ½ and 4 hours.  Examination time depends on the complexity and number of test issues which must be addressed.  Actual testing time runs about 30 minutes.  A professionally conducted polygraph examination is a methodical process and bears no resemblance to the silly, over-dramatized versions of polygraph scenes depicted in most movies and television shows.

Yes.  The polygraph examiner will explain and review all test questions with the examinee/client before the start of the Testing Phase.  In most cases, the examiner will construct the list of questions during the Pre-Test Interview, after listening to the examinee/client’s account of the examination issue.  The examiner will then insure that the examinee/client fully understands each question and the reason why it is being asked.  There are no surprise or “trick” questions during the polygraph tests.

Some innocent people feel guilty about taking polygraph examinations.  The issues may be extremely emotional, involving serious accusations made by family members, or allegations of criminal conduct which have harsh penalties.  But, remember a properly conducted polygraph examination is not a “hurry up and get done process.”   ID-Lies polygraph examiners have extensive experience in conducting polygraphs in a wide spectrum of different types of cases; and, of successfully resolving serious and emotional issues faced by different persons.   There is a psychological difference between feeling guilty, but knowing you are innocent,  and feeling guilty and knowing you are guilty. The examiner will patiently reassure and relax the examinee/client, and will not begin the Testing Phase until the examinee/client is ready.

Polygraph admissibility varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Some states ban it completely; others allow results by stipulation; and some allow polygraph evidence over objection.Please refer to the following links for detailed information on which states and federal courts allow polygraph evidence:

https://www.justice.gov/usam/criminal-resource-manual-262-polygraphs-introduction-trial

http://www.polygraph.org/polygraph-frequently-asked-questions

Not unless they directly admit it.  However, if an interviewee makes contradictory assertions in knowledge which he can not adequately explain, the probability may be high that deception exists.  If an interviewee provides a narrative statement which contains gaps of missing events, actions, and time; and can not (or will not) provide specific details for that subject matter, the probability may be high that deception exists.  If an interviewee continually responds to the same questions with certain evasive verbal responses instead of answering those questions in conjunction with their topics/issues, the probability may be high that deception exists.

No.  The Cognitive-Analytic Interview is based on a combination of interviewing techniques used in Cognitive Interviewing, Forensic Statement Analysis, and Conversation Management Interviewing.  There is no need to “interrogate” someone as it is shown on television, or during a stereotypical police interrogation.