Took a poly and inconclusive = fail and have some questions.

[Eraines]

Long story short, I went in after reading and re-reading TLBTLD, even though I know the machine can't detect lies (of course some examiners will tell you quite the opposite) I was still quite nervous and could feel my Fight or Flight reaction during certain questions.. I was being 100% honest and forthcoming with everything that came to mind (Just stupid little things) Basically I failed.

I have been rescheduled for early this week, my question is..
Why am I still feeling this "Fight or Flight" reaction when I think abut being questioned again? I have nothing to hide.. I have ALWAYS been a nervous person, just wound tight as my GF says.

Is there a way to control this reaction?

Relavant\Irrelevant questions.. The only CM for these are breathing? I've read Chapter 3 many many times.. and this is what I am getting.. please correct if wrong.

To keep a pretty solid reaction across the board during both types of questioning? My issue is.. I get hyped up on the relevant ones...
Does anyone have any pointers or something that helped them remain calm?

I think I'm psyching myself out too much... I can tell you I felt like a total douche when I left.

Thank you

[Eraines]

another thing  read about R\I is they are looking for more reaction from the R ?'s than the I ?'s. is that true?

[George W. Maschke]

another thing  read about R\I is they are looking for more reaction from the R ?'s than the I ?'s. is that true?

No, it's not true. In the relevant/irrelevant technique (at least as used by the US federal government), the irrelevant questions are not scored. Instead, the polygraph operator looks for "consistent, specific, and significant" reactions to any particular relevant question.

The two federal agencies that rely most strongly on the R/I technique are the CIA and NSA. With these agencies, it is common for examinees to be told they are "having problems," to be badgered for admissions, and to be brought back for one or more follow-up sessions.

With the exception of the pneumo channel, it is very difficult to suppress physiological reactions on the polygraph. However, you might want to review the behavioral countermeasures outlined in Chapter 4 of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector before your next polygraph session.

[Polypro Pauline]

With the exception of the pneumo channel, it is very difficult to suppress physiological reactions on the polygraph. However, you might want to review the behavioral countermeasures outlined in Chapter 4 of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector before your next polygraph session. 

Wow and OMG. That's one of the most intelligent things I've ever read you say on this web board, and very true. It is almost impossible to suppress reactions on the polygraph and that is why typical countermeasures don't work. When a polygrapher sees strong reactions on a relevant question, despite any amplified response you might be able to produce on a comparison question, it is a red flag. Then all the polygrapher has to do is look at the now widely known signs of countermeasures on the comparisons. Not easy to explain to someone who isn't a polygrapher, but trust me it's not that hard.

[George W. Maschke]

Not easy to explain to someone who isn't a polygrapher, but trust me it's not that hard. 

Try me.

[T.M. Cullen]

Wow and OMG. That's one of the most intelligent things I've ever read you say on this web board, and very true. It is almost impossible to suppress reactions on the polygraph and that is why typical countermeasures don't work.

The problem with that logic is that employing CM do not even entail suppressing physiological  reactions, though many people, including polygraph operators, mistakenly think they do.


TC