How accurate is the polygraph?
The polygraph technique is very accurate, however, it is not infallible. According to the American Polygraph Association, over 250 studies have been conducted over the past twenty five years on the accuracy of polygraph testing. It is estimated that the accuracy of the results is in the range of 85 - 95 %. More recently, research has shown that the accuracy of computerised polygraph testing can be as accurate as 98 %.
How do I benefit from being tested?
All innocent examinees will obviously be excluded from any further investigations related to the investigation. Passing the test also re-assures the trust relationship between the employee and employer. Assisting your employer when a loss occurred emphasizes your loyalty to the employer.
What Protective Procedures do the Polygraph Examiner follow:
• An assessment of the examinee's emotional state
• Medical information about the examinee's physical condition
• Technical questions to evaluation the examinee's response capabilities
• Factual analysis of the case information
Who gets the test results?
Polygraph results can be released only to authorized persons. Generally those individuals who can receive test results are the examinee and anyone specifically designated in writing by the examinee, the person, firm, corporation or governmental agency that requested the examination and others as may be required by law.
I am telling the truth but I am nervous about taking a polygraph examination. How does the polygraph establish the difference between the state of nervousness and reactions as a result of lying?
It is quite normal for an innocent person to feel nervous and the polygraph examiner is very aware of this. Nervous reactions which are recorded on the polygraph charts are not interpreted by the polygraph examiner as a manifestation of deception. Nervous reactions are completely different from those reactions that are recorded when a person is deliberately lying.
Can I know what the questions on the polygraph examination will be beforehand?
Yes. With a SAPPA examiner you will be informed of the exact wording of each question that will be asked of you during the course of the polygraph examination. There will be no "trick" questions.
How long does a polygraph examination take?
A polygraph examination takes about two to three hours, however, some may take more or less time, depending on the nature of the issue under investigation.
Why does a polygraph examination take two to three hours?
The polygraphexaminer should give a detailed explanation of the polygraph procedure, how the polygraph works, and he will answer any questions that the examinee may have. The examiner will also inform and discuss the result of the examinee's polygraph examination.
Can a polygraph test be carried out in any foreign languages?
When making use of skilled linguistic experts / interpreters, Polygraph examiners can carry out tests in any language.
