Twoblock,

Actually, the polygraph operator does need to manipulate the polygraph instrument after the "stim test." The pens may need re-centering in the course of the examination, and the polygraph operator also needs to annotate the charts with such information as the beginning and ending of the asking of questions, any "artifacts" that may occur (e.g., a sneeze), and other information.

1young11,

Based on your description, it is hard to say whether you passed or not. It sounds like you didn't receive much of a post-test interrogation. It is possible that you did pass, but that your polygrapher was just trying to see if she could get an admission from you.

She sat to my right, and durring the questions she had me close my eyes.  At the end of the questioning she would have me open my eyes and relax.  Durring the 3rd chart she asked about marijuana use once, and durring the 4th chart she asked about marijuana use 3 times, and after she was done with her questions, and my eyes open, cuff deflated she asked a couple times if the questions about marijuana use bothered me, and I maintained no, b/c I have never used it.  She did not accuse me, or imply that I was lying.  She just unhooked me, and showed me out, and informed me that I would have to wait over a month and a half for my reults, naturally I am anxious about it.  I am curious if all of that indicates that she will label me deceptive.  Any thoughts?   Anyone?  I'm even interested in the opinion of some of the polygraphers who frequent this site.

If you were still hooked up, then your test was NOT done. Only believe your test is completed when you are totally unhooked. It is my understanding that the operator always sits somewhat behind you so you cannot see their activity. If I ever had to take a polygraph, the operator would sit where I could see him/her or their wouldn't be a test regardless if it was for the best job in the world. After the stim test, there shouldn't be ANY reason for the operator to touch the machine. That is if the machine is what it's cracked up to be.

I took my 1st polygraph yesterday, I won't find out my results until the end of July.  I was wondering what some of you thought about something that happened.  The test was the relevant/irrelevant format.  There was one question she asked more than others.  All the others she only asked at most, twice but she asked if I had ever smoked marijuana 4 different times.  And then when the charts/questions were "done" but I was still hooked up with the blood pressure cuff released, she asked about 2 more times if the quesion about marijuana use bothered me.  I have never done it, or touched it, I answered no every time.  It sounds like I failed, I was wondering what some of you thought.