The Problem is the Examiner, not the Polygraph

[Eastwood]

I would opine that the polygraph instrument is not the problem - it's who is operating it.  Incompetent examiners = an incompetent product.

[G Scalabr]

Eastwood:  Incompetent examiners = an incompetent product.

I agree. Unfortunately, the field as a whole is incompetent when it comes to determining truth from deception. I am not aware of peer-reviewed research proving that any examiner has demonstrated the ability to reliably determine truth from deception at better than chance levels under field conditions. If you know of something I have missed, please post a citation for it here.

[Guest]

....and your field is more competent......yeah! right!

[Guest]

I was speaking you you Mr. Scalabrini!

[G Scalabr]

....and your field is more competent......yeah! right!

If there is anything that George or I have written on the accuracy of polygraphy--either in The Lie Behind the Lie Detector or on this website--that you feel is untrue, please feel free to point it out and cite peer-reviewed research that supports your point of contention. We will be happy to retract our statements and properly acknowledge your contribution.

Until then, you simply make yet another self-interested gratuitous assertion.

[Anonymous]

Eastwood,

You began this thread with the title:

"The Problem is the Examiner, not the Polygraph."

You are close, but no cigars.  The situation we are faced with is that examiners are using invalid polygraph formats (every single one that is and has ever been used for polygraph screening) for completely unsound applications (generalized screening of job applicants, employees, convicted sex offenders, etc.)  For the situation that exists involving the aforementioned invalid formats/applications, the personal incompetence you speak of and which may well exist becomes moot.  All examiners become incompetent with poor formats/applications.  Under those circumstances, the more accurate version of your little ditty then becomes:

"The Problem is EVERY Examiner, not the Polygraph."

[Fair Chance]

The NAS states that no employment decision should be made strictly on the basis of polygraph results.  They made no distinction whether or not the polygraph operator was good or bad so this becomes a moot point.

Regards.