How do the following impact polygraph results?

[BBnurse]

I don't know for sure, but as far as not testing pregnant woman I would think could be related to the baby's heartbeat. Plus, if they are far enough along and the baby is moving or kicking it could cause distraction or pain which would affect the results. I believe the cold would be because if your stuffed up, congested, or nose is running and you are trying to control those during the test it will alter breathing and possibly other vital signs. Chronic pain can affect results. An episode of pain changes your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure just as what I already mentioned. I'm not in the law field. I am strictly going on my nursing background and what I know about how those specific things affect a patient's vital signs.

[Angell]

I know someone who is a schizophrenic. I suspected he was lying and he denied it. I said "let's do this the easy way then
. Split the cost of polygraph.  He says he can't pass due to schizophrenia.  I've researched some but don't understand.  Slums like deflecting to me.  Can you explain?

[Ex Member]

I know someone who is a schizophrenic. I suspected he was lying and he denied it.

May I recommend that you avoid contentious discussions with those suffering from schizophrenia? Surely there are more enriching pursuits available to you.

[George W. Maschke]

I know someone who is a schizophrenic. I suspected he was lying and he denied it. I said "let's do this the easy way then
. Split the cost of polygraph.  He says he can't pass due to schizophrenia.  I've researched some but don't understand.  Slums like deflecting to me.  Can you explain? 

Polygraph "testing" has not been shown to work in people don't suffer from schizophrenia, let alone those who do. It's junk science. Turning to a polygraph operator in an attempt to divine the truth would be a complete waste of your money.

[Carolyn Kethcart]

Can sleep apnea, which causes different breathing, effect the result of a polygraph result.  If so, what would be the factor. 

[quickfix]

Only if you're sleeping during the test.

[Ex Member]

Carolyn, I think the answer depends on whether or not the sleep apnea is untreated. If the person you are referring to religiously uses a CPAP, then I would say there would likely be no effect. However, untreated sleep apnea can cause all kinds of havoc in the body including impaired cognitive abilities. It would be an interesting study to conduct.

[xenonman]

I know someone who is a schizophrenic. I suspected he was lying and he denied it.

May I recommend that you avoid contentious discussions with those suffering from schizophrenia? Surely there are more enriching pursuits available to you.

The calibre of many of the "guests" on AP sometimes shocks me!

[Frelly]

What about a person who has Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy? symptoms appeared in 20's any now 52 and just failed test.

[Ex Member]

What about a person who has Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy? symptoms appeared in 20's any now 52 and just failed test.

Due to its deterioration of executive functions, Endocrine System disruption and Myotonia, I'd say the examiner made a bad decision to find such a person suitable.

[Dan Mangan]

Ark, what's your opinion of the directed-lie format?

Speaking primarily as a Backster-trained traditionalist at heart -- later heavily influenced by Matte -- I think the directed-lie method is bogus.

There's a big pissing match in my neck of the woods (New England) about the validity of the directed-lie polygraph "test".

Everyone who's anyone in the polygraph rackets monitors the A-P forums like bored housewives watch soap operas. Given that context, you are regarded as a star.

What say you about the directed lie "test"?

[Ex Member]

Ark, what's your opinion of the directed-lie format?

I have perused the laboratory studies and given the claims of the Utah team due diligence. While they claim science, I say it's bunko. In a forensic situation, with much at stake, there is no way anyone can convince me that directed lies would establish any kind of diagnostic dichotomy with RQ's threatening the well being of the examinee.

The great and late John Dobson, the Side Walk Astronomer's reply to the big bang theory: "You are trying to tell me that nothing made something out of nothing?"

Sometimes the arrogance of scientists is appalling.

[Dan Mangan]

Sometimes the arrogance of scientists is appalling

I agree -- and, in my opinion, especially that as manifested by the self-proclaimed scientists who effectively run the APA.

Ark, speaking of arrogance, that reminds me...

For decades, the APA stated as its cardinal goal this moral imperative:

To serve the cause of truth with integrity, objectivity and fairness to all persons.

Last year, the illuminati who run the APA saw fit to shitcan that most noble ambition.

Do you have any theories as to why the APA leadership chose to take such a seemingly queer, backward and deleterious step?

[Ex Member]

Honestly, I just don't have enough insight into the internal workings of the APA to provide meaningful input. I'm not a member, and could never bring myself to pay the $500 entry fee for the conventions.

I've read those Journal articles which have any quality (about 40%).

It is curious to hear that they scrubbed such a noble idea from the website, I cannot even speculate as to why.

[Dan Mangan]

Ark, one thing about APA seminars that has always struck me as odd is the event's solemn invocation, usually delivered by an older white guy, who, in a predictably ministerial baritone voice, makes a passionate appeal to God for wisdom and discernment for those in attendance.

One wonders why an assembly of forensic psychophysiologists dedicated to the practice of evidenced-based science needs to start their seminars with supplications to a supreme being.

My theory: In their heart of hearts, these people seek some measure of comfort by effectively asking for spiritual guidance -- or Divine Intervention -- in their practice of what they may fear (know?) is essentially little more than an elaborate guessing game.

Do you have any thoughts on the APA's rationale here, Ark? Do EE guys do similar things at their professional and educational events?