Note that the first two questions you listed are "hypothetical control" questions that are intended to elicit a physiological response, which is then compared with any reactions to corresponding relevant questions. When polygraph "tests" are scored, an opinion is rendered only with regard to the subject's answers to the relevant questions. Examinees are not supposed to know about this. But it results in logical absurdities when there is a false positive result. As you noted, how can you have "failed" a question about drug use while ostensibly having "passed" a question about whether you would make up information in order to pass? It makes no sense.

Polygraph "testing" has no scientific basis, and false positive results are not uncommon. While it is possible that your polygrapher was simply bluffing you in an attempt to get an admission, it would be best to be prepared for the worst. If you do receive official notification that you "failed," then it would be advisable to file a written appeal of the polygraph results, maintaining that you told the truth, and politely requesting the opportunity for a re-test.

grassleo wrote on Jan 29^th, 2005 at 10:45am:




I think George pretty much covered everything there is to cover.