First time polygraph

[BeckFoo]

I will be taking the polygraph for the phase II of the FBI hiring process.  I was wondering, if I am naturally nervous to begin with, will it affect my test results?  I have nothing to hide, but I am always nervous for interviews and such.  Thanks!

[wuzafuzz]

And do you expect the knot-heads on this site to allay your nervousness?

[BeckFoo]

Will being nervous produce false positive results?

[George W. Maschke]

BeckFoo,

Yes, nervousness may well affect polygraph results. If you are more nervous when answering the relevant questions than when answering the so-called "probable lie control questions," then you are very likely to fail. For more on this, download The Lie Behind the Lie Detector. Chapter 3, which explains the polygraph procedure, will be of special interest.

You need to know that the polygraph failure rate among FBI special agent applicants is now on the order of 50%. Many truthful applicants are being wrongly branded as liars based on a procedure that the National Academy of Sciences has concluded is completely invalid. See the Personal Statements page for examples.

In my opinion, the risk of a false positive outcome is so high, and the adverse consequences so severe and lasting, that it would be in your best interest to withdraw your FBI application and seek employment elsewhere. See my recent article, "Just Say 'No' to FBI Polygraphs" for more on why I believe this to be the case.