PS...

>>I think if either examinee or examiner broke the tension with such bodily functions, there would be definite response that should be marked as an artifact<<

Don't you mean an artifart?

Sorry,  I couldn't resist.  I have been reading all day non stop (on line and in real time) and my eyes are about to bug out.

I think if either examinee or examiner broke the tension with such bodily functions, there would be definite response that should be marked as an artifact.   

Assuming you were holding one back the whole time, it should not affect the charts much.  Holding and releasing might however.

I just LOVE intellectual discussions!!

Concerned,

Straining to avoid the release of intestinal gas might well create reactions measurable by the polygraph. However, in the considerable amount of polygraph literature I've reviewed, I don't recall seeing anything on the effects of flatulence. While I don't suppose it would likely result in an accusation of countermeasures, sonorous and/or odoriferous flatulence might tend to prejudice the polygrapher against the offending subject.

I agree with you that polygraph results are a ridiculous thing to base a career on.

This question might be indelicate, but I am curious about it.  What if a person has gas during a polygraph?  Do polygraphers think you are using countermeasures if you fart?  What if one is trying really hard to hold one in, consequently tightening the muscles? It would seem good advice to people not to eat beans or broccoli the night before a polygraph.  I guess a polygrapher could smell if it happened,  but sometimes mine just don't have odor.  What a ridiculous thing to base a career on.   

" Polygrapher: Could you explain that strong reaction to the question xyz?

Examinee: OOh that one well, this is very embarrassing.

Polygrapher: Thats OK, I'm here to help you. To find the trueth. So, please explain why you reacted so strongly?

Examinee: I FARTED!!!!!

Polygrapher: I've been doing this 20 years and from my experience a FART does not look like that on the charts.

Examinee: Well, what does a FART look like?

Can someone be deemed deceptive because of a FART?

concerned wrote on Nov 24^th, 2002 at 2:03am:

Thanks for adding a little bit of humor to the discussion.

Leave the discussion to the adults. 
concerned

This question might be indelicate, but I am curious about it.  What if a person has gas during a polygraph?  Do polygraphers think you are using countermeasures if you fart?  What if one is trying really hard to hold one in, consequently tightening the muscles? It would seem good advice to people not to eat beans or broccoli the night before a polygraph.  I guess a polygrapher could smell if it happened, but sometimes mine just don't have odor.  What a ridiculous thing to base a career on.