Inconclusive - Advice for next time?

[applicant55]

I am applying for a position with the FBI and was just notified that my initial polygraph results were inconclusive.  I didn't know anything about polygraphs before I took the last one, but have since done a great deal of research into the mechanics of the process.  (This site was an incredible resource!)  In particular, I now understand how probable-lie control questions work.

Here are my questions:

• How forthcoming should I be about my knowledge of the process, including probable-lie control questions?
  
• Will knowing the importance of the probable-lie control questions affect my "natural" responses to these questions?
  
• Is there any point in trying to disclose past misdeeds related to the probable-lie control questions during the pre-test interview (like stealing that piece of candy when I was 9-years old)?
  
• Any other advice this second time around?
  

[George W. Maschke]

In this situation, I think your best option may well be to be perfectly frank with your polygrapher about the research you've done and your understanding of polygraph procedure. Your polygrapher for the re-test might have a hard time believing that you haven't researched polygraphy after having had an inconclusive result the first time.

There is a risk that your candor will result in your polygrapher arbitrarily accusing you of deception and/or countermeasure use. But perhaps your polygrapher will correctly take your honesty about your newfound knowledge of polygraphy as a sign of your intent to answer all questions truthfully.

Your knowledge of the question types could influence your reactions to them, but its hard to anticipate how. Knowing that it's important to react strongly to the control questions in order to pass might cause you to react more strongly to them. On the other hand, knowing that it's only the relevant questions that are of real interest might result in your reacting more strongly to them instead.

I don't think there's any problem making minor admissions to probable-lie control questions, if asked. But there's a good chance that, after disclosing what you know about polygraph procedure, your polygrapher will choose to give you a Relevant/Irrelevant test (see Chapter 3 of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector), instead.

[sackett]

I am applying for a position with the FBI and was just notified that my initial polygraph results were inconclusive.  I didn't know anything about polygraphs before I took the last one, but have since done a great deal of research into the mechanics of the process.  (This site was an incredible resource!)  In particular, I now understand how probable-lie control questions work.

Here are my questions:

• How forthcoming should I be about my knowledge of the process, including probable-lie control questions?
  
• Will knowing the importance of the probable-lie control questions affect my "natural" responses to these questions?
  
• Is there any point in trying to disclose past misdeeds related to the probable-lie control questions during the pre-test interview (like stealing that piece of candy when I was 9-years old)?
  
• Any other advice this second time around?
  

My guess is that you were almost there, but the scoring didn't come out completely in your favor.  Otherwise, they would probably just DQ'd you and moved on the one of the next 500 applicants...

Yeah, tell the examiner you looked around the web for information about the polygraph.  You were concerned and curious and naturaly went to the web for information.  There, you found a lot of stuff, both pro and con.  My opinion is, that if you are under 30 and say you haven't searched the web on something this important, you're probably lying anyway and it sounds rediculous.

Rather than trying to "figure out" the process, why not go in and be honest.  Completely honest. Do not try to beat it, you'll come off looking like your trying to hide something or guilty of something.

After your testing, come back and let us know how you did.

Good luck,

Sackett

[T.M. Cullen]

applicant55,

In case you didn't know, and for whatever it is worth to you (and no disrespect intended), Mr. Sackett is a practicing polygrapher.

TC,  False Positive "self-wallower"

[Hunter]

Are you the T.M. Cullen from NASA?

[George W. Maschke]

Rather than trying to "figure out" the process, why not go in and be honest.

The two are not mutually exclusive, you know.

[T.M. Cullen]

No, I am not from NASA.

A rocket scientist I ain't.

I am a retired Military linguist (Chinese).

TC

[notguilty1]

I am applying for a position with the FBI and was just notified that my initial polygraph results were inconclusive.  I didn't know anything about polygraphs before I took the last one, but have since done a great deal of research into the mechanics of the process.  (This site was an incredible resource!)  In particular, I now understand how probable-lie control questions work.

Here are my questions:

• How forthcoming should I be about my knowledge of the process, including probable-lie control questions?
  
• Will knowing the importance of the probable-lie control questions affect my "natural" responses to these questions?
  
• Is there any point in trying to disclose past misdeeds related to the probable-lie control questions during the pre-test interview (like stealing that piece of candy when I was 9-years old)?
  
• Any other advice this second time around?
  

My guess is that you were almost there, but the scoring didn't come out completely in your favor.  Otherwise, they would probably just DQ'd you and moved on the one of the next 500 applicants...

Yeah, tell the examiner you looked around the web for information about the polygraph.  You were concerned and curious and naturaly went to the web for information.  There, you found a lot of stuff, both pro and con.  My opinion is, that if you are under 30 and say you haven't searched the web on something this important, you're probably lying anyway and it sounds rediculous.
Rather than trying to "figure out" the process, why not go in and be honest.  Completely honest. Do not try to beat it, you'll come off looking like your trying to hide something or guilty of something.

After your testing, come back and let us know how you did.

Good luck,

Sackett

Yet, My poligrapher told me that my research probably hurt my results. ( probably cause, now I know he knew nothing for sure )
You can't win ..... it's a dice roll...... you'll see

[sackett]

applicant55,

In case you didn't know, and for whatever it is worth to you (and no disrespect intended), Mr. Sackett is a practicing polygrapher.

TC,  False Positive "self-wallower"

Mr/Ms Cullen,

be careful!  Your sense of humor is showing...

Sackett

[applicant55]

Thanks for all the great advice!  I'll be sure to let you know how it turns out.

[applicant55]

FYI - I had "round 2" today.  I told the polygrapher that I did some research and knew how the probable lie control questions work.  Even so, he used that format.  I actually felt that things didn't go well because I was easily able to identify the probable lie control questions and did not feel that "twinge" of anxiety when asked one that I obviously should be lying to.  I also did not attempt to employ any countermeasures.

Unlike the first time, I only had two series of questions (I believe I had a breakdown series in addition the first time).  He didn't push me very hard on any questions except at the very end, but only for a minute.  I asked him what his recommendation would be, but he kind of dodged the question and made some vague comments about me reacting to some of the questions and that HQ would have to sort it out.  It doesn't sound like a good sign...  I hope I'm not another victim of this process!   :-?

[sackett]

applicant55,

why don't we wait to find out the results of your examination, before you go running out to join the revolution...

Sackett

[Sergeant1107]

Rather than trying to "figure out" the process, why not go in and be honest.  Completely honest. Do not try to beat it, you'll come off looking like your trying to hide something or guilty of something.

It sounds like he did that the first time and he did not pass.  Wouldn't a reasonable person want to "figure out" how he could tell the truth on a test that purportedly detects deception and yet still not pass?

[sackett]

Sarge,

it seems to me that being 100% truthful is NOT something one has to "figure out."

Sackett

[notguilty1]

Sarge,

it seems to me that being 100% truthful is NOT something one has to "figure out."

Sackett

Well,
Truth is that being 100% truthfull does not ensure you a passed Poligraph test!!