NCJ Number
176760
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 27 Issue: 3 Dated: 1998 Pages: 181-187
Date Published
1998
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper presents observations and guidelines regarding the formulation of questions for polygraph testing, with emphasis on relevant questions, probable lie control and comparison questions, irrelevant questions, and wording of peak of tension and guilty knowledge tests.
Abstract
Using only prepared questions and notepacks may result in the examinee's not understanding one or more questions. The suggested words in written questions may not be in the examinee's vocabulary, although the advantage of prepared lists and notepacks is better compliance with policy, regulations, and law. In addition, questions proffered by the examinee or the examinee's attorney may avoid the issue or be part of an effort to rationalize. Examiners should also be aware that Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Americans with Disabilities Act rules on job interviewing apply to polygraph testing. Keeping questions short is often desirable for clarity, but it is not essential. Among the specific recommended guidelines are that relevant questions most solve a vital problem, that the control/comparison question must be treated as a relevant question, and that most test formats open with an irrelevant question. Judicial decisions in the cases of United States v. Lech, Hester v. Milledgeville, and State v. Stowers have focused on question formulation. Additional guidelines and 35 references