help!

[nina]

I took the polygraph test yesterday, and I failed. I don't understand  because I honetly did not lie. However, each time I was asked if I committed a crime, it said it lied. At that time I thought of a colleague who lost the master key to the building where I was teaching, and the following day computers were damaged or stolen. I never told on her when administrators asked if anyone knew. I figured they'd know when keys have to be returned, but somehow she kept saying it was at house somewhere.

I assumed on the test that I had passed the question. I wished that my examiner told me I didn't so I could add new information.

I said some bad things that were not criminal, like I kissed a married man ( I didn't know it at the time).

My question is would I be able to retake the test. I am applying to be reserve cop.I really really want to teach an Anti-gang program and I have a to be a sworn officer to do that.

I am afraid I would fail again, because I have  a hard time believing that I didn't do things wrong. I never experimented with drugs,alcohol or cigarettes or stolen,but at times I have seen things take place and didn't feel it was my role to rat if no one asked me.  Each time I am asked, my heart races.

Thank you for your time to read my e-mail. I discovered this site a day later after my test. I am so heart-broken for failing. Worst part, is that my examiner probably things I have committed some awful crimes.

[George W. Maschke]

Nina,

Many agencies will offer a "re-test" to applicants who request it, provided that no disqualifying admissions have been made. You should write the department with which you applied a brief letter politely stating that you told the truth and request a re-test.

As you've learned the hard way, polygraph "testing" is inherently biased against truthful persons, and false positives are not unusual. See The Lie Behind the Lie Detector for a full explanation of polygraph procedure and tips on how to reduce the risk of a second false positive.

[nina]

Thank you for the reply. One more question.

The examiner told me he needed some time to score the test and "see" the results. I think it is a lie if I was asked  5 questions and one was deemed a lie, what else does he need to do?

Also, during the interview questions, I was asked if I commited any crimes. I said no. On the polygraph test, I was asked if I answered truthfully on the interview and I said yes. It showed that I didn't lie.

I would like to know how is it when I am asked again if I committed a crime it shows I didn't say the truth.

I would prefer to retake without "counter-measure" because I am not out to play games, when I wish to retake because I was honest. But can fear and anxiety from failing affect the response? Can I focuse on real crimes while he asks the questions and answer based on that? I am afraid that focusing on petty things like having listened to a CD that was pirated, I didn't rat on someone, Etc. Would those thoughts affect the answer?
I was told if I lied on my application and said no, but then remembered that I added a few pounds to my weight (I am petite),and passed that question. So  why when I know I lied it shows I was honest, and when I was honest,it shows that I lied!!!
I am sorry for asking too many questions.

[George W. Maschke]

Thank you for the reply. One more question.

The examiner told me he needed some time to score the test and "see" the results. I think it is a lie if I was asked  5 questions and one was deemed a lie, what else does he need to do?

Exiting the polygraph chamber to "score the charts" is a time-honored part of the polygraph ritual. Charts can be scored very quickly, and there's no need to leave the room. But doing so adds to the mystique and leaves the examinee alone to stew about his/her fate. During this period, the examinee is typical under covert observation via a two-way mirror or closed-circuit television camera (which may be concealed). The examinee's behavior during this interlude may also influence the examiner's decision-making process.

Also, during the interview questions, I was asked if I commited any crimes. I said no. On the polygraph test, I was asked if I answered truthfully on the interview and I said yes. It showed that I didn't lie.

I would like to know how is it when I am asked again if I committed a crime it shows I didn't say the truth.

Perhaps one of the many polygraph operators who lurk on this message board would care to answer this one?

I would prefer to retake without "counter-measure" because I am not out to play games, when I wish to retake because I was honest....

I fully understand your concern. But I suggest that you reserve judgment until you have fully informed yourself about polygraph procedure.

...But can fear and anxiety from failing affect the response? Can I focuse on real crimes while he asks the questions and answer based on that? I am afraid that focusing on petty things like having listened to a CD that was pirated, I didn't rat on someone, Etc. Would those thoughts affect the answer?
I was told if I lied on my application and said no, but then remembered that I added a few pounds to my weight (I am petite),and passed that question. So  why when I know I lied it shows I was honest, and when I was honest,it shows that I lied!!!
I am sorry for asking too many questions.

You need to understand the dubious methodology by which determinations of truth versus deception are actually made in polygraph examinations. You'll find this succinctly explained on the AntiPolygraph.org homepage. For a much fuller explanation, see Chapter 3 of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector.

[nina]

Thank you for the reply.( shokran ala el  jawab) I read your book online, and it described exactly what I went through yesterday during the polygraph, the attitude, asking me to pick a number etc.

I almost applied to be a linguist for the FBI: arabic/Japanese. Glad I didn't after reading your story.

I don't know if I failed the test, but he made me feel that I didn't do well. My examiner said he would write his report and send it to the commander. He said I didn't well on the crime question asking me: If I ever commited any crime.

Thank you for everything. Domo Arigato/shokran/Merci/ Gracias/Denke .....  

Nina