Steps Involved in a Polygraph Test

Since long, people have used various methods of figuring out if a person is lying. As technology took over, it didn’t forget to bless lie detecting process. In recent times, there are many ways lie detector tests work using the available technology. Matters like theft, crimes, sexual offenses, and even hiring have started demanding the use of lie detector tests. To break it down how it actually works, there are three phases or steps in a polygraph test.

Pre-test phase

In the first stage or phase of polygraph testing, the examiner has to inform the examinee about the issue being investigated. After this, the examinee is advised of his or her right to attorney, constitutional rights, and necessary documentation is completed. The examinee is told how the instrumentation works and any doubts he has is cleared. Before proceeding to the next step of polygraph testing, the examinee’s body is connected to the polygraph instrument to record physiological reactions.

In-test phase

During this phase, the polygraph test takes place. The examiner administers minimum 3 tests of about five minutes each. At maximum, there can be 6 tests. During all the tests, the physiological data of the examinee is continuously collected, measured and recorded. Between each test, the examinee is given a relaxation period of 2 minutes.

lie detector test

After the in-test phase, the data collected is analyzed and a professional opinion is formed. There are three professional opinions- no deception indicated, deception indicated, and inconclusive. No deception indicated means the examinee is telling the truth; deception indicated means the examinee is not telling the truth; and inconclusive indicates that the physiological data that has been evaluated fails to reach any conclusions.

Post-test phase

In this phase, the examiner gives the examinee the polygraph test result. The examinee is given a chance to explain his or her reactions that have been recorded on the charts. Once the post-test phase is done, the examiner gives a verbal report of the polygraph exam and the results. After the verbal report, comes a written report that contains a factual account of the info that was developed while the polygraph test was being administered. The professional opinion of the examiner, along with the evaluation of the polygraph data is also provided in the written report.

While these are the steps involved in a lie detector or polygraph test, there are a number of ethical considerations that cannot be violated. Nowadays there are a variety of companies and firms that provide lie detector test services for various issues. If you want to get a lie detector test administered, you can visit the website liedetectoruk and find the services, policies, and further contact and reach through email address or contact number.

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