i have taken a polygraph before and failed, actually took 2 and failed both, but this poly i must beat i really want to work for this agency. last time i failed even though i told the truth an my appeal was not accepted. Can anyone please give me some advise. i have read the LBTLD manual but still need advise from some one that has beat it . Thanks

Kage wrote on Jan 17^th, 2003 at 6:39am:

Dear Kage,

The polygraph examination is directly dependent on weak science and even the most adament polygraph proponent states that the operator must be "proficient" and is the key to the whole operation.  

The term "beating the machine" is all relative.  You can beat the machine because the "input" is subject to manipulation by the examinee but you cannot beat examiner bias or predisposition.  It is a calculated gamble in any case.  There are no predictable outcomes which have been studied or documented which meet current  scientific criteria for test but it is used and will still be used for some time.

There is no way for the machine to assure it can tell deception and there is no way for an examinee to assure he will "pass."  

All you can do is read the "The Lie Behind the Dectector" and do your best to tell the truth (even if they expect you to lie in order to determine this).

If the above sounds stupid and doubles back on itself, welcome to the twisted world of polygraph procedure.