Directed Lie and CMs and Depressants

[JoJo22]

I have read the book and am a little unclear on one thing.  Do you use countermeasures for the control questions in a directed-lie format?  

Also, if you are really nervous, would it be beneficial to take some kind of depressant to calm you down and give you a more controlled "baseline" to work from?

[George W. Maschke]

I have read the book and am a little unclear on one thing.  Do you use countermeasures for the control questions in a directed-lie format?

Yes. If you're planning to use countermeasures, you would want to ensure that you show a significant reaction to the "control" questions, whether probable- or directed-lie.

Also, if you are really nervous, would it be beneficial to take some kind of depressant to calm you down and give you a more controlled "baseline" to work from?

Perhaps, but I'm not aware of any conclusive research in this regard. The key to passing a polygraph "control question test" is to show stronger reactions to the control questions than to the relevant questions. It's not necessary to show no reaction at all to relevant questions.

For detailed information on polygraph procedure and countermeasures, see The Lie Behind the Lie Detector.

[wanda loo]

I have been reading about the polygraph and control questions ect... i still dont understand how to "work" a controlled question...  or the biting of ones tongue??? please can someone clarify this

[Administrator]

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