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Polygraph and CVSA Forums => Polygraph Procedure => Topic started by: curiouskat on Sep 19, 2012, 10:08 AM

Title: Does producing a "bad" chart or having a "problem question" mean failing?
Post by: curiouskat on Sep 19, 2012, 10:08 AM
In reading up on the files available on this website, I've seen how polygraphers prod for more information during the post-test interview, but if no admissions are made with a chart that has problem areas, what happens then?

Does the polygrapher report on just a pass/fail litmus based on charts, confirmed by admissions, or can people who produce a 'bad' chart or a chart with 'problem areas' still pass based on how they react to the polygrapher's interrogation in the post-testing interview?
Title: Re: Does producing a "bad" chart or having a "problem question" mean failing?
Post by: Bill_Brown on Sep 19, 2012, 11:19 AM
One "Bad" chart does not necessarily mean you  have "failed" the examination.  The charts are  numerically scored and the overall score on each question determines "pass or fail".  You will be asked for an explanation on the one question on one chart in some cases, if the overall score of three charts shows significant responses, you will be asked for an explanation and the test result would indicate deception to that question.  If it is a multiple question test, ""screening examination", you would be administered another examination on a different day, and only the question you were having problems with would be on the examination. 

Does the polygrapher report on just a pass/fail litmus based on charts, confirmed by admissions, or can people who produce a 'bad' chart or a chart with 'problem areas' still pass based on how they react to the polygrapher's interrogation in the post-testing interview?

The post test interview would not alter the overall score on the chart/charts and your charts would be reported as "Significant Response" to that question.  The testing is not finished until the one question showing significant response is resolved with further testing on that issue only.  Not all examiners conduct polygraphs in this manner, however, it is the standard established by the polygraph industry at large, i.e. APA and AAPP.