187Dick wrote on Mar 12
th, 2006 at 12:27am:
The polygraph instrument is merely a tool used to detect physiology changes in a subject while being questioned about relevant criteria. The problems arise from poorly trained or unethical examiners who fail to formulate questions properly or conduct pre-test and post-test interviews with a biased approach against the examinee.
If the use of the polygraph was as unfair as most of those on this website seem to think, then the use of "countermeasures" to beat the test would not be needed. The truth is, the only reason for countermeasures is to conceal lies from the concerned intity, whether it be the police or a potential employer.
No system is perfect, and even the best examiner may occasionally miss countermeasure attempts; however, the system of a polygraph instrument and a well trained and ethical examiner is still one of the most accurate methods of obtaining the truth from deceptive people.
187DICK,
Lets dissect your posts in sections, first off section one. Your absolutely correct its just a tool. A pressure tool, that is good for intimidating people. Knowlege of the polygraph process and the ability to ascertain Control VS Relevant questions, and lack of fear does in your pressure tool. THe NAS study specifically addressed that an examinee with knowlege of (mental) countermeasures more than compensates for any intimidation factors. Without fear and anxiety you can't get your flight or fight responses. 1st tenant you need to make your voodoo work, Or NO FEAR means non working machine. But your attempts at stimulation are always highly laughable.
Section two, Anyone of consequence or intellect will never walk into something such as a polygraph exam unread or unprepared. Your statements here are the old reliable stalwarts of most interrogators. Honest people should always be wary of anything where you have to prove your self honest via interrogation. THe internet and the ability to research more than compensates for your lack of candor to an examinee. Your polygraphers schtick must have the examinee believe that you can detect deception. Without that buy in, again your physiological responses are non existant. Tenant # 2 You have to have 100% belief that the polygraph works. Being well read and prepared mitigates this part. And knowing deep down in your soul thats its a bunch of horse dung. Well you know, no responses.
And lastly I highly doubt that its occasionally you miss countermeasures. Grant you I will buy into that the physical type ones you can easily detect. But the mental ones I know you can't. 3rd Tenant, There has to be consequences for failure. Remember now, if one has to take a polygraph, and if you willing to walk away and just say no, you don't even get a shot. Which is always the best choice. Any good defense lawyer would never let a person take a polygraph unless its with an examiner of his choosing, and with a high probability that he will be deemed (NDI). So you see, intellect, knowlege, preparation and audacity, will alway win the day.
Bottomline ... Folks taking polygraphs armed with the knowlege and the ability to use it, are causing you examiners untold levels of grief. When the polygraph is stopped being used for hiring, is when this will all go away. I don't have a problem with the polygraph used in criminal investigations. So there is grounds for agreements.
But your post was well done, and worthy of debate.
Regards ...
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