Based on the absence of a post-test interrogation, it seems likely that you passed. It's standard practice for polygraphers to interrogate when the charts are scored as "deception indicated."

Update: Received a phone call today from my polygrapher saying that I needed to come in for another polygraph, (Specific question test) because I showed a response to the drug question.  Does this mean that I failed my first polygraph or that it was inconclusive?  Since I'm being given a specific polygraph test to the drug question, does that mean that I have a chance to clear up any response that may have been made or am I already doomed?  Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the reply sackett

Joe,

Don't let them con you into changing your answer.

You elicited "a response" on their fancy blood pressure machine even though you answered truthfully with a "no" answer.

That alone should show you that the machine is inaccurate (i.e. you told the truth YET you showed a reaction).

NEWS FLASH!!  Their machine only measures your level of autonomic response, not your level of "truthfullness".

They're going to advise you to "open up" to them and explain to them why you'd react to the question if you're telling you the truth.  Their goal is to get you to "spill your guts" in the hope that you'll say something they can use against you.

A more LOGICAL question would be, why, since you told the truth, would THEIR MACHINE show you to be deceptive?  Is there something wrong with their machine?  Their claim is that the machine can tell whether you are being honest or not.  You were honest, yet their machine indicated "deception".   

If they ask you something like:  "Yes Mr. Smoe, but why would our machine show deception if your telling the truth?"  Tell them you have no idea, and stick to your guns.   

They will try every trick in the book to get you to "open up" and "clear things up" in a hope that you'll saying something they can use TO JUSTIFY the squiggly mark on their graph, NOT TO clear up your level of truthfulness.

DON'T FALL FOR IT!

Joe,

some on this board will try to convince you to "protect youself" from the abuses of the pre-employment polygraph process.  You must make the decision for yourself.  If caught "cheating", you risk no job and that will follow you elsewhere, perhaps.  If you divuldge all, you leave no reason or basis for physiological reaction and WILL pass.

One thing I must clarify. Deception includes not only what you say, but what you do not say, or what you hide, or minimize or rationalize.  This is, no doubt, the reasons for many so called, "false positives" reported on this board.


Sackett