Evi,

All your best friend's boyfriend's having "failed" a polygraph "test" indicates is that he was more concerned about the accusatory relevant questions than about the more general "control" questions. See Chapter 3 of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector for more on the specious methodology by which truth versus deception is inferred in this pseudoscientific trail-by-ordeal that is wrongly called a "test."

You might also refer your friend to AntiPolygraph.org. She needs to know about "the lie behind the lie detector."

evi1919 wrote on Aug 2^nd, 2002 at 9:15pm:


ABSOLUTELY YES!!!

The polygraph as it is commonly used is at best a nervousness detector.  Anyone can psych themselves into failing a polygraph "test", or the process can be a little more subconscious.  OTOH, anyone can psych themselves into passing a polygraph.  It all depends upon what makes you nervous.  Are you afraid of being accused?  Afraid the polygrapher can read your mind (one of the only set of circumstances under which the polygraph might actually detect lies, IMHO)?  Afraid of losing your job or not being hired?  Afraid of actually getting a job?  Too self-critical?  Do you doubt yourself?  Do you tend to think of yourself in a negative light, and look for reasons to fail?  Afraid of reacting?

Any psychologist worth anything would agree that all of the above, and more, can cause someone to react to questions in a polygraph.  The test is voodoo, bunk, quackery.  Belief in it is founded on the same grounds as astrology, and its practicioners are members of a quasi-religion.

I would also be suspicious of any confessions resulting from a polygraph, as well.  As was noted recently in the New York Times, a healthy number of confessions obtained through poor interrogation techniques (the polygraph is essentially an excuse for interrogating someone) turn out later to be false.

Quote:


Another possibility is that he could have reacted to the questions because he was attracted to you at one time or another, etc.  There are innumerable reasons why he might have reacted to the question, and IMHO your interactions with him have given you vastly more information regarding the type of person he is and what he might do than could be read on a polygraph.

Quote:


I've heard that "lie detectors" are rapidly supplanting horoscopes as the popular method for determining whether someone is a good person to date, is cheating, etc.  It seems polygraphers have found a new way to mess up people's lives.  Both you and Broken appear to be victims of this nonsense, and I would expect we'll start seeing quite a few more here in the future.

Please refer your friend to this site, and have her read "The Lie Behind the Lie Detector".

Skeptic

had 3 tests,failed each and every one.
good to know that i'm not alone.
we should be more vigilant in making a statement.
that polygraph thingy can destroy LIVES.

Polygraph has ruined my life I lost everything my lady my kids and even my place on residence because this examiner told my lady I fails this bullshit ass test I need some one to speak to I need help

rail roaded,

Polygraph victimization is all too common. I regularly receive similar inquiries from sufferers of false results.

Consider getting a second opinion by having your test reviewed. 

If you authorize the examiner to release the complete file of your test to an independent polygraph consultant, there is a very good chance your test can be nullified. 

Should the examiner who conducted your polygraph refuse to cooperate, something is wrong and the test result should be considered null and void.

Meanwhile, you should direct your lady to this site's home page so she can begin to better understand the risks, realities and limitations of polygraph testing.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Daniel Mangan, M.A.
Polygraph Examiner
Full Member, American Polygraph Association
Certified PCSOT Examiner
www.polygraphman.com