NCJ Number
104429
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1986) Pages: 195-202
Date Published
1986
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study shows no reliable differences in job-applicant attitudes toward the employer before and after the taking of a preemployment polygraph examination.
Abstract
Some researchers have suggested that requiring job applicants to take preemployment polygraph tests may cultivate negative attitudes toward the employer likely to motivate employee theft. To test this hypothesis, this study selected 24 job applicants for retail sales or restaurant positions who had already volunteered to take preemployment polygraph examination. A questionnaire administered to the subjects measured anticipated employee satisfaction, applicant awareness of the employer's antitheft policy, and anticipated chance of apprehension for employee theft. Half of the subjects were randomly chosen to be given the questionnaire just prior to the polygraph exam, and the other half were administered the questionnaire after the test. There were no statistically reliable differences in the two groups' responses to the questionnaire. Since the complete sample consisted only of those who had already consented to the polygraph test, the subjects may differ from persons who would not agree to the polygraph exam. Future studies should measure applicant attitudes at various stages in the employment process. 2 tables, 7 references, and the questionnaire.