It's not that a single spot is actually being called "deceptive," but rather that a positive total is required for each spot in order to render an outcome of "no deception indicated" or "no significant response."

In the DACA handbook (2006), see sections C8.5.4.2, C9.5.4.2, C14.6.2, and C15.5.4.2.

George W. Maschke wrote on May 8^th, 2013 at 3:34pm:

Hmmm, George, I cannot seem to find where this is true. The DoDpi handbook does not mention this for the ZCT. They refer to numerical scoring, global scoring and the ROSS. I cannot find anything where a single spot can be used to call a particular question as deceptive.

I was referring to just that as the deviation. The DoDPI/DACA/NCCA created a self-entitled deviation from what was the original Backster ZCT scoring technique which did not allow for using individual spots to call any particular question as deceptive or not.

I agree Doug, even having the discussion gives some implied credibility to something which is not scientific at all.

"What I described is no deviation from the polygraph technique, it is the polygraph technique, as taught by DoDPI/DACA/NCCA. While an overall score for the entire exam is indeed calculated for the ZCT, rendering an NDI decision has the additional requirement of "passing" each individual relevant question." 
 

"This must be some kind of self-entitled deviation from the polygraph technique. Scoring of the ZCT should have a global score for the entire exam, there is no line item veto."


In fact, you are both right - in order to properly score a polygraph test, one must look at the overall pattern of the tea leaves as well as the individual placement of one leaf in relation to the other!  

I hope you take my point about the absurdity of even using the terms employed by these con men to make it appear as though the polygraph has any basis at all in any real science.  It is nothing but a sick joke - treat it as such!  Do not dignify the polygraph or the operators of this insidious Orwellian instrument of torture by using their made up pseudo-scientific terms.  THE "LIE DETECTOR" IS NOTHING BUT PURE UNADULTERATED BULLSHIT!

Arkhangelsk,

What I described is no deviation from the polygraph technique, it is the polygraph technique, as taught by DoDPI/DACA/NCCA. While an overall score for the entire exam is indeed calculated for the ZCT, rendering an NDI decision has the additional requirement of "passing" each individual relevant question.

This must be some kind of self-entitled deviation from the polygraph technique. Scoring of the ZCT should have a global score for the entire exam, there is no line item veto.

I'm not sure I understand your question. Are you in essence asking, "Is it possible to 'fail one question' but pass the overall 'test?'"

If that's what you're asking, the answer would seem to be "no." The federal polygraph handbook indicates that for so-called "zone comparison tests," where reactions to a relevant question are compared to reactions to an adjacent control/comparison question, that in order to render an opinion of non-deception, the examinee must "pass" each question. The same is true with respect to scoring of the Law Enforcement Pre-Employment Test (LEPET) and the Test for Espionage and Sabotage.

If I produce a reaction to a relevant question, and I am able to produce three countermeasure reactions, but the relevant reaction is stronger, how is that scored?  Any imput is appreciated.  Thanks.

Jim