Control question?

[n0mad]

"Have you ever comitted a crime that you were not charged for?"

I am assuming this is a control question since everyone has either sped or not stopped fully at a stop sign, etc... and have gotten away with it. Am I correct?

[George W. Maschke]

Whether this is a "control" or relevant question will depend on how it is presented during the pre-test phase. Some agencies use the question, "Did you ever commit a major crime that you were not charged for?" Major crimes are then explained to be felonies like murder, robbery, rape, etc. This is a relevant question.

However, if the question is simply framed as, "Did you ever commit a crime that you were not charged for?" with the scope of the question left wide open, then it might well be intended as a probable-lie "control" question.

[Poly-Cop]

Whether this is a "control" or relevant question will depend on how it is presented during the pre-test phase. Some agencies use the question, "Did you ever commit a major crime that you were not charged for?" Major crimes are then explained to be felonies like murder, robbery, rape, etc. This is a relevant question.

However, if the question is simply framed as, "Did you ever commit a crime that you were not charged for?" with the scope of the question left wide open, then it might well be intended as a probable-lie "control" question.

Ahhh, there in George lies the problem.  Is it a control question or a relevant?  Gee, now that I have read tlbtld do induce a reaction here, or do I "relax?"  Hmmm, don't know...  Okay, I will induce a reaction.  Damn!  that was a relevant!  What do I do now???

Man, I should have just cooperated and took the test.  I didn't have anything to hide!  G-d, now the examiner is asking me about why I reacted on this question!  What do I tell him???  I really want this job, Damn!

I know, I will log in to Anti-polygraph.com.  They will help me.  They told me they would help and they are so smart and they know all about the polygraph, and they are my friends!  AND They got me into this!!!

Help George, help, help, help!!!

Poly-Cop...    

[Anonymous]

Polycop,

Not to worry...If in doubt regarding the nature of the question, simply don't countermeasure it.  There are more than enough obvious control questions from which to choose in a CQT exam--the examinee need merely pick one or more to enhance responses to.  That having been said, clearly from the tone and sarcasm of your last note to George, no one in his/her right mind would leave his fate to you.  Such an individual could fully expect, based on any whim of yours, to be treated in a similar fashion.