NCJ Number
176795
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 27 Issue: 4 Dated: 1998 Pages: 276-283
Date Published
1998
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews the literature on irrelevant questions associated with polygraph examinations, using excerpts to provide definitions and to describe the function of irrelevant questions and their placement in formats.
Abstract
An irrelevant question is the opening question on each chart in all standard control-comparison and relevant-irrelevant polygraph test formats. It is there because the reaction caused by the opening question is not scored. Some formats include irrelevant questions within a preordered list of questions, while other formats include them as needed. In some formats, irrelevant questions are also comparison questions. Answers to obvious irrelevant questions are almost always true, and the base rate of lying to identity irrelevants is low. Identity irrelevants are introduced as relevant; if consistent significant reactions occur, the questions become relevant. Most irrelevant questions are worded to be truthfully answered with a yes, but some are worded to be truthfully answered with a no. Research on the use of irrelevant questions indicates the use of identity irrelevants in place of obvious irrelevants may be justified. 30 references