NCJ Number
84684
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1982) Pages: 8-11
Date Published
1982
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The diagnostic polygraph examiner has the important tasks of gathering pertinent information, arranging it for presentation, asking the questions, and directing the suspect's performance.
Abstract
Although the polygraph itself is a precision medical instrument that accurately records the suspects' physiological responses, it cannot detect lies until the examiner applies a questioning technique. The examiner should be a college graduate with adequate motor skills who has been thoroughly trained in the Control Question Technique. The examiner's function compares to that of the medical doctor diagnosing the patient's illness; the polygraph is merely one instrument employed just as laboratory tests are used for the patient. Interpretation and subjective evaluation are vitally important in assessing results. The polygraph examiner should observe suspects' attitude and demeanor, possible mental defects, emotional reactions unrelated to lying, noncooperation, confusion regarding test questions, and anger. An automatic machine cannot detect lies. Further research efforts should be directed toward refining procedure and application techniques. No references are cited.