Helpful Faqs about Lie Detection Services
Question: I am extremely nervous about taking the polygraph examination. How will the system decipher between nervousness and lying?
Answer: It is very normal for an innocent person to be nervous. The examiner is completely aware of how nervous a person can be whether they are being truthful or not. Nervousness on the polygraph charts does not look like deception to the polygraphist. Nervousness does not prevent the polygraphist from determining the difference between truth and deception.
Question: What if the instrument says I am lying when I am not?
Answer: The polygraph system does not "say" anything. It simply records your body's reactions to the test questions. It is up to your examiner to "read" the reactions your body provided during the test and he/she will do so with an extremely high degree of accuracy.
Question: Will there be any trick questions on the examination?
Answer: The subject will be told ahead of time how the examiner will read each question on the test. For clarification, your polygraphist will go over each question word for word. If there is a question that you are not comfortable with, your polygraphist can re-word the question or simply eliminate the question.
Question: Does the test hurt?
Answer: No, the test does not hurt. The only discomfort you may feel is a tingling sensation on your arm due to the standard blood pressure cuff. It is the same feeling you get when your doctor takes your blood pressure. There is no other discomfort involved.
Question: Can anyone force me to take the test?
Answer: No, no one can force you to take the test. It must be voluntary in order to gain full cooperation from the examinee.
Question: How long does the test take?
Answer: The examination usually takes an hour and a half to two hours including a pre-test interview.
Question: How does the instrument work?
Answer: The instrument is a highly sensitive scientific device that measures blood pressure, heart rate and sweat activity. We measure these bodily actions because they respond to stress very well and because we cannot control these bodily functions.