Quote:
Don't you understand that being completely honest doesn't work?! The times that I decided to be completely honest and spent lots of time with the polygrapher trying to justify my "lies" to the CQs were the times that I failed. That's what tee'd me off! The more honest I was, the more I failed!
In response to a question about this post:
Below is a possible example of how to fail a polygraph. (Truth or Fiction - you decide).
If the polygraph gives you the control question, "Have you ever done anything SO BAD in your life, that you would now lie about to keep someone from finding out?"
If you were completely honest, you would have to answer yes.
The polygrapher would then ask what it was you did.
You most likely didn’t have anything specific in mind and would struggle to think of something non-incriminating or character debauching with which to answer.
No matter what you say, he’s going to go back to the same question, “Have you… out?”
You, still being honest answer yes.
When pressed, you admit that you have nothing specific in mind, but admit that you would probably lie because it is the natural thing to do and you are trying to answer him honestly.
To which you would hear, "Oh, oh... that's no good. This is a ‘character question’ and lying is not a demonstration of good moral characteristic or a very mature response. Couldn’t you just refuse to answer such a question? Wouldn’t that be more mature than lying?
You suppose; yes, I guess it would be. Now, you’re posed with the same question again, “Have you… out”
You answer; “No” and in your head continue “I could just refuse to answer.”
Good, now you feel justified in your answer – even though you know that deep down inside, you’d still just lie to somebody that asked about ________ or embarrassing topic.
(Lather, Rinse, and Repeat for the other CQs)
Now, if you are a person that is very good at convincing yourself of your own justifications (i.e. This guy is right. I will never lie again, I will just refuse to answer the question because that is the moral and mature response), then you have completely screwed yourself on the polygraph.
Now, what was supposed to be a lie to the polygrapher, you now believe and think that it is appropriate to answer this way. Your extreme honesty will cause you to fail. Whatever your method, the more you are able to justify to yourself your lie to the CQs, the more likely you are to fail the polygraph.