Sergeant1107 wrote on Jun 25^th, 2005 at 5:48pm:


Please understand why polygraphers often do this. Sure it is disingenuous, but polygraphers don't say this because they enjoy lying or otherwise messing with you, but to increase the accuracy. They don't expect you to not lie as a result of this admonition. What they are looking for is an increased response differential between control Q's and relevants. An examinee who is NDI on a relevant is expected to react less to the relevant by an increased belief that the polygraph will correctly detect he is not lying. That same examinee is expected to fear the control question more, believing (falsely) he may be disqualified if found deceptive on the control.

The increased public knowledge of how the polygraph works may be more of a threat to whatever accuracy it has than the knowledge of specific countermeasure technique.

marty

Just never ADMIT to anything DURING the exam that you did not admit to in the pre screening or on your application.  If you don't ADMIT they can still fail you but on what basis?  Then they are opening themselves up to lawsuits.  The problem is MOST people ADMIT to things during the exam when they are accused of lying or being deceptive. 

Why fear the poly?
Well... depends on how much is at stake when you are subject to taking one.
My experience over the past 10 years has been the following:
Lied -- Failed
Lied -- Passed
Truth -- Failed
Truth -- Passed

Very few of the twenty or so polys I have taken were in the first two categories. Most times I have told the truth. If I had not found one very hghly regarded polygrapher with whom I have no problem passing *sic*, then I would likely not be alive to write this post. Now you couldn't PAY me to see another polygrapher when I am forced to take one.

Even given that the polygraph is a load of hooey, who gives you the test makes a load of difference. The reason I say that is because there are some who are in it for the money. If they are aware that you  may have to re-take a poly as a result of "failing" one, then that type of polygrapher will find your results to be of the non-passing variety and will also have a policy of charging you for each time you take the test. With the rest...well, let's just say it is a crap-shoot. "Ya pays yer money an' ya takes yer chances." As long as you are not guilty of anything (or ADMIT to any guilt (and for God's sake don't ACT guilty unless you want to get HUNG!)), maybe you will come out okay. Acting as though you have a guilty conscience will get you a 'deception indicated' every time, no matter whether you tell the truth or not.

Nonombre,

I would surmise that you don't work for a federal agency.  Correct?

Also, as a polygraph examiner you should have been subjected to more than 20 as part of your training.  Therefore it is not unheard of.

Please check yourself before referring to similarities between your profession and those of the medical profession.  They are NOT the same and should not be compared as such.  I regularly hear comparisons between the funeral industry and auto sales.  Again not the same.  The funeral industry would more fairly be compared against the hotel industry as service is what is provided.  Find a more suitable comparison.  You are not a doctor so do not portray yourself as such.