point system.. what is that all about?

[jedah]

after the examination was done. he brought the paper (we had analog exam) with him and explained the result. he put "+ numbers" most of it, he said, plus is good. he then put numbers like +3, +6 etc. and made a total.
then he said i passed. but i dont get what the heck the numbers in there. then he even mention something like, see this one is a lie. so whats a lie.. then i passed? i dont get it?

[George W. Maschke]

In scoring polygraph charts, polygraphers typically assign numeric scores to reactions on each channel: "1" for a small reaction, "2" for a mid-size reaction, and "3" for a large reaction. These numbers are then added up. For relevant questions a negative (-) value is assigned. For "control" questions, a positive (+) value is assigned. Scores for both relevant and control questions are combined, and if the final tally is a positive number, it indicates that overall, reactions to the control questions were greater (and the examinee "passed"). If the final value has a negative value, then the examinee "failed." (However, if the final tally is close to zero, say between -3 and +3, the result may be deemed "inconclusive.")

For a more detailed explanation of polygraph chart scoring, see Department of Defense Polygraph Institute Numerical Evaluation Scoring System (376 kb PDF).

[jedah]

thanks for the help. i was been accused on something that i did not do. i answered the questions truthfully but i will not deny that i do countermeasures as well. i do believe that polygraph should never ruin any life.
here's another thing, why do it seems that my examiner was so nice. at first it felt so weird b/c i remember that according to the book they will pretend that they will help you. but not with this guy, he was so nice on the pre test, and i feel that he really help me out. after the test, he blinked at me and had a smile. does the examiner can tell right away who was lying and not. will the examiner first impressions on you can affect the results? i mean can he actually tamper the result??
and what is better? the computer or analog exam?

[George W. Maschke]

While AntiPolygraph.org has received many complaints of boorish behavior by polygraphers, it is certainly not the case that they are all unpersonable. On the contrary, the ability to gain the trust and confidence of others is an important trait in an interrogator (and polygraphers are interrogators).

Yes, a polygrapher's first impressions, as well any bias (for or against a person), can influence outcomes.

With regard to polygraph instruments, there's no evidence that one type is better than the other for detecting lies. Polygraphy is junk science. Computerization adds no more to polygraphy than it does to astrology.

[jedah]

anyways, i was so glad that i read the book. honesty is one thing, but you have to protect yourself too. i cant tell how upset i would be if i fail the test.
if you know you are not doing anything, theres nothing wrong to use countermeasures. as ive said, protect yourself! if you know you're using this to trick people(like getting a job that you dont deserve), karma will get you..
thanks a lot AntiPolygraph