FORENSIC

106
INSTRUCTOR : ALMERIAN B. TAYOBONG
PERFECT GROUP
SHANE GHADA BORRERO
ABEGUEL FIRMA
NIEL BALINA
MARCO DUMAGUIN
CEDRICK GATDULA
BERNADETTE LUNDAG
MA. FAYELA UMANDAL
CHAPTER VII
TEST PROCEDURE
Learning Objectives
At the end of this chapter, the students shall be able to:
Identify the phases of polygraph examination.
Learn the procedures in pretest interview.
Describe the types and purposes of conducting
acquaintance tests.
Demonstrate competence in conducting polygraph
examination.
 LESSON 7.1
PHASES OF POLYGRA
EXAMINATION
 In 2udi2, the A-tericin Polygraph Association outlined the
components is a polygraph test, including a pre-test interview, a
data collection phase, and a data analysis phase (Nelson, 2015).
Proper execution of these three phases is believed to greatly
improve test accuracy. It's recommended that even polygraph
practitioners who aren't APA members adhere to APA standards to
ensure the highest accuracy in every polygraph examination.
 The pretest interview is the initial part of the polygraph
examination process here the introduces the subject to the poly
than questions relevant to the issue being tested. The length of the
pretest interview ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours or longer
depending on the complexity of the case, interactions between the
subject and the polygraph examiner, and the testing technique used.
The pretest interview is used in all types of polygraph
1. Preparation for the Test
Room for Polygraph Examination. An ideal polygraph examination
room must be clean and orderly, free from any noise, and offer
privacy. Pictures, certificates, and other items that may attract
interest and distract the attention of the examinee should not be
displayed. The appropriate setting of the polygraph room is a
common problem encountered by any polygraph examiner during a
field polygraph test. They have no liberty to choose whatever room
is available, and privacy is sometimes at

Examiners Appearance. The polygraph examiner

should dress appropriately. Their attire must not
create possible distractions for the subject.
Polygraph examiner should not wear a uniform and
should not display any weapons or badges.
 Discussion with the Investigators. It is
important to meet with the investigator and
other pertinent individuals to gather
information about the issue to be tested. This
will assist the examiner in visualizing the
incident and provide key insights for
formulating the test questions. It will also help
the examiner determine the background of the
examinee, which may serve as an important
guide in the post-test interview.

Review of Relevant Materials. Any available

information such as photographs of the crime scene,
statements of witness, and or subject, investigation
reports, notes and records is a great help for the
examiner to appreciate how the incident under
investigation happened. It is also a key in
constructing good test questions. These details also
provide great insights in the approach of posttest
interview.
.
 Functionality of the Instrument. Prior to conducting the
examination, the examiner should ensure that the
instrument is working soundly. Each sensors must be in
good condition. Calibration or functionality test shall
before the examination. APA standard of practice test
of polygraph instrument to maintain its efficiency

2. Introduction to Examinee
Greetings. A professional and friendly greeting to the subject
is essential in stablishing rapport. The polygraph examiner will
introduce himself cordially to the examinee to initiate the
process. He will require the subject to turn off the phone and
anything that may cause disturbance during the test.
Identification. The polygraph subject will be identified by asking them for
any proo of identification available. The examiner may inquire if it is alright
to address the subject by their first name or nickname to ease any tension
the examinee might be experiencing. The examiner may express compassion
towards the subject to develop rapport between them, which can help put
the examinee at ease and encourage confident communication with the
examiner. The examiner will introduce themselves professionally to
establish their authority and impress the polygraph subject by
demonstrating expertise in conducting the examination.

3. Overview of the Test.

The subject is advised that the polygraph test will be recorded through an
audio/video device. Consent to undergo the polygraph examination is necessary
and must be completed by the subject. An interview on the subject's personal
background will be conducted to familiarize them and establish rapport. The
subject is informed about the issue to be tested, and a brief discussion of the
topics is conducted The function of the polygraph and the sensors that will be
connected to the examinee will also be introduced. The process and intention of
the acquaintance test are explained Test procedures will be discussed, and
instructions on how to conduct oneself during the test will be specified.
4. Rights and Consent.

It is the obligation of the polygraph examiner to advise the examinee of their

rights prior to conducting the polygraph examination. The subject is informed that
the test is voluntary and that they have the right to refuse at any time. The
subject is also informed that the result of the examination will be submitted to
the requesting party, and the examiner no longer has control over their decision.
The approval of the subject is essential before proceeding with the test.

The examinee is requested to sign a consent form and provide their

biographical information on the form attached to the waiver. An interview on
their background information is conducted as a means of familiarizing the
subject and establishing rapport. The examinee is deemed suitable for the test,
mentally and physically, when they sign the consent form. It is suggested that
before obtaining the consent or waiver form, it is important that the subject
has already been briefed on the procedure of the test, and the function of the
polygraph has also been explained to them.
5. Health and Biographical Information.
The polygraph examiner must ensure that the test subject is suitable
to undergo a polygraph examination. He must ascertain that the
examinee is physically and mentally fit for the examination. An
examinee who is not physically and mentally sound will not be tested. In
some situations, it is necessary to seek the approval of medical
authorities before the subject will be allowed to undergo a polygraph
test

Unsuitability for the Test:

A subject who was exposed to prolong interrogation immediately before the
examination is not ideal to undergo polygraph examination.
Those who are mentally or physically fatigue
Those who are emotional upset
Intoxicated
Those who are suffering significant physical discomfort
Persons with poor level of mental functioning (too young or low 1Q).
Obtaining the background information of an examinee is also an essential part
of the test. Examiner may use it later during the port test interview or as guide
in formulating comparison questions. It also helps in developing rapport.
6. Rapport Building.
Building rapport is crucial to make the examinee feel comfortable
open. Showing empathy can encourage the subject to share more
information. Active listening is also important, as it can reveal valuable
insights. The examiner (Baranowski, 2017). should establish their
authority and expertise to guide the interview process effectively

7. Interview of Related Issues

Free-narrative Interview. During diagnostic examination, the subject is
encouraged to freely discuss the incident without interruption. The examiner
listens carefully noting, any inconsistencies or areas that need further
clarification. Instead of challenging the subject's account, the examiner
creates a supportive environment to encourage open communication. The
interview starts with broad, open-ended questions and then subject recall
details about the incident. moves to more specific, closed-ended questions to
help the subject recall details about the incident.
Structured Interview. In a screening examination, the pre-
test interview follows a structured format. The examiner
outlines the topics to be discussed and gathers all necessary
information. The examiner may use persuasive techniques to
encourage the subject to disclose any undisclosed
information. However, it's important to avoid overwhelming
the subject. A structured interview ensures consistency in
the questioning process.

Semi-structured Interview. A semi-structured interview uses a basic

outline of questions but allows for flexibility to adapt to the individual
being interviewed. This approach lets the interviewer tailor the
conversation based on the person's personality, education, and how well
they connect with the interviewer. The goal is to use the interviewer's
expertise to gather detailed information. To ensure consistency, these
interviews follow a structured approach with clear definitions for
important terms. This helps maintain focus and ensures all relevant
topics are covered.
8. Explaining the Polygraph.
The polygraph examiner will explain the functions of the
polygraph to the subject, orienting them about the basis of
physiological responses recorded by the instrument. The
examiner will elucidate the connections between the involuntary
nervous system and deception. The subject will also receive a
briefing about the test procedure and instructions,

including guidance on how to behave throughout the test and

provide the required responses to the test questions. It is
important to inform the subject about the functions of each
sensor that will be placed on their body. The subject must
understand that polygraph sensors will not cause discomfort or
harm, and they must comply with the test instructions to
successfully complete the examination.
PNEUMOGRAPH
SENSORS.
In explaining the pneumograph sensor, the examiner will emphasize to
the subject that the sensor placed on their abdomen and chest will
monitor normal body movement. These sensors are very sensitive, and
it is crucial not to move during the test.
The polygraph subject is instructed to place their hands above their
head during the placement of the sensors.
The abdominal sensor is attached first, followed by the thoracie
sensor. It is recommended that the polygraph examiner position
themselves beside or in front of the examinee when attaching the
sensors, with one hand holding the edge of the tube or band and the
other hand holding the beaded chain or strap.
The abdominal sensor is positioned at the center above the sternum,
while the thoracic sensor is placed at the center above the nipple line.
The pneumograph sensors should not be stretched more than two
inches to prevent damaging the elastic parts inside. They should not
be too loose to slide or too tight to lose signal or cause discomfort to
the examinee. Ensure that the sensors do not touch the arms of the
examinee.
PNEUMOGRAPH
SENSORS.
In explaining the pneumograph sensor, the examiner will
emphasize to the subject that the sensor placed on their
abdomen and chest will monitor normal body movement. These
sensors are very sensitive, and it is crucial not to move during
the test.

The polygraph subject is instructed to place their hands above

their head during the placement of the sensors.
The abdominal sensor is attached first, followed by the thoracie
sensor. It is recommended that the polygraph examiner position
themselves beside or in front of the examinee when attaching
the sensors, with one hand holding the edge of the tube or band
and the other hand holding the beaded chain or strap.
PNEUMOGRAPH
SENSORS.
The abdominal sensor is positioned at the center above the
sternum, while the thoracic sensor is placed at the center
above the nipple line. The pneumograph sensors should not
be stretched more than two inches to prevent damaging the
elastic parts inside. They should not be too loose to slide or
too tight to lose signal or cause discomfort to the examinee.
Ensure that the sensors do not touch the arms of the
examinee.
The polygraph examiner's professional approach in placing
the sensors is essential for the subject. Care must be taken
not to touch the subject's body too much. If available, a
remale examiner is suggested to perform the sensor
atfachment on female subjects. After connecting the
Pneumograph sensors, the examinee is asked to lower his
hands.
EDA SENSOR
It has been the practice of this author to attach the EDA sensor
next to the pneumographs. During the placement of EDA
sensors, the examinee is informed that the sensor is sensitive to
the activity of the sweat glands. The sensor monitors and
records the phenomena occurring in the sweat glands during the
test. Some examinees to monitor changes in the activity of the
sweat glands, not excessive sweating of their hands.

When usino the cassic EDA Anoer plates. the sensor is placed on
the volar surface of the distal phalanx of the index and ring
fingers. The subiect is asked to wash and dry their hands to
ensure that the skin is clean before connecting the sensor.
Attach the sensor snugly by wrapping the Velcro fastener on
each finger. The sensor must not be too tight that the examinee
feels the pulse in their finger, nor too loose that it may be
detached and lose contact with the skin.
EDA SENSOR
It has been the practice of this author to attach the EDA sensor
next to the pneumographs. During the placement of EDA
sensors, the examinee is informed that the sensor is sensitive to
the activity of the sweat glands. The sensor monitors and
records the phenomena occurring in the sweat glands during the
test. Some examinees to monitor changes in the activity of the
sweat glands, not excessive sweating of their hands.

When usino the cassic EDA Anoer plates. the sensor is placed on
the volar surface of the distal phalanx of the index and ring
fingers. The subiect is asked to wash and dry their hands to
ensure that the skin is clean before connecting the sensor.
Attach the sensor snugly by wrapping the Velcro fastener on
each finger. The sensor must not be too tight that the examinee
feels the pulse in their finger, nor too loose that it may be
detached and lose contact with the skin.
EDA SENSOR
Manufacturers of computerized polygraphs provide other EDA
sensors to meet the needs of polygraph examiners. When using
the reusable electrode, apply a small amount of electrode paste
on the cups. Attach the sensors snugly to the palmar surface of
the distal phalanx of the index and ring finger. Clean the sensor
after recording.

The disposable gel electrodes are placed on the palmar surface

of the hand, one on the base of the thumb and the other on the
base of the little finger. Ensure that the examinee's hand is
clean before connecting the sensors. Some examiners prefer to
attach the EDA sensor to the non-dominant hand. Standard
practice requires that EDA sensors be placed on the opposite
side where the cardio arm cuff is attached. This is to avoid
affecting the signal due to pressure applied on the arm.
PLETHYSMOGRAPH
SENSOR
The next sensor that will be placed on the examinee's finger is
the Plethysmograph when a computerized polygraph is used.

The subject is informed that this sensor is very sensitive to

movements, and it is important that they not make any
movement during the test. The sensor is attached to the
middle finger or thumb of the same hand that has the
electrodermal sensor.
CARDIO SENSOR
The blood pressure cuff is placed on the upper arm without
the EDA with the palm up and PLE sensor. When attaching the
sensor, ask the subject to extend their arm forward with the
palm up.

The polygraph examiner should position themselves beside or

in front of the subject. Ensure that the cuff is snugly attached
to the arm, immediately over the brachial artery. When the
examinee is wearing a thick jacket, it is advisable to remove it
to avoid affecting the cardiovascular tracing. It is also
important that the cuff does not contact the body of the
examinee. Breathing can affect the cardio tracing due to the
pressure applied to the cuff. The forearm, wrist, or even the
thumb can be alternative sites for recording cardiovascular
tracings. A computerized polygraph provides an optional
sensor for this purpose.
MOVEMENT OR SEAT
SENSOR.
Subject's movement is monitored by placing a seat sensor on
the polygraph chair during the instrument setup if a
computerized polygraph is used.

The movement sensor is designed to be sensitive to

somatic/behavioral nervous system activity (Nelson, 2015).
The addition of activity sensors can increase the detection of
somatic activity, potentially reducing the occurrence of false
accusations of countermeasure use (Stephenson and Barry,
1986; Ogilvie and Dutton, 2008). The American Polygraph
Association Standard Practice requires the use of movement
sensors in every polygraph examination conducted.
MOVEMENT OR SEAT
SENSOR.
The polygraph examiner must ensure that sensors are
properly attached and will not interfere with or cause
liscomfort to the subject. It is also important that the wiling
or rubber hose of the sensor is not crimped or pinched and is
not placed in front of the examinee, as this may cause
distraction during the test.

The proper placement of polygraph sensors contributes to

the quality or tracinge collected during the examination. The
accuracy of chart analysis is influenced by the quality of
physiological responses recorded on the polygraph charts.
 LESSON 7.2 -
ACQUAINTANCE
TEST
I. INTRODUCTION
This type of recognition test is administered after explaining how the polygraph
WOTKS. Acquaintance test is designed to familiarize the subject with the process
of polygraph examination. Different types of acquaintance tests exist, each with
its own strengths and potential impact on the subject. Many examiners prefer
the Known Solution Acquaintance Test, as research suggests it can improve test
accuracy. Research indicates that this type of acquaintance test contributes to
the accuracy of the test results (Nelson et al., 2018).

II. TYPES OF ACQUAINTANCE TEST

Different types of acquaintance tests exist, each with its own strengths and
potential impact on the subject. Many examiners prefer the Known Solution
Acquaintance Test, as research suggests it can improve test accuracy. Research
indicates that this type of acquaintance test contributes to the accuracy of the
test results (Nelson et al., 2018)
1. CALIBRATION VERIFICATION OF SENSITIVITY

This type of acquaintance test is Question 1 - Name

conducted as the initial chart. It is Question 2 - Age
administered to assess the examinee's Question 3 - Math
ability to process information and to Question 4 - Drug Intake
detect any countermeasures the Question 5 - Sacrifice
examinee might use or has prepared Relevant
before the examination. This test is
given after the polygraph test questions
have been presented and reviewed with
the subject (Krapohl, 2010).
 2. FAIL-PROOF BLIND NUMBER TEST
This type of acquaintance test involves no deception. The Select a number: 3,4,5
examiner doesn't know which number the subiect has chosen, 1st Phase: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
effectively reducing fear and anxiety in truthful examinees and
2nd Phase: - 2, 6, 4, 1, 5, 3 -
increasing admissions during screening tests. It's more effective
3rd phase: 4+ = stop the test
when the examiner correctly identifies the chosen number.
Examiners who haven't wied a blind number test often feel If 4 -, 1, 2, 6, 3, 5
inadequate, and those who fail to identity the number may lose
confidence in their abilities (Barland, 1978), The author
frequently used this fail-proof blind number test for training and
demonstrating polygraph use to criminology students and
faculty, Participants learned to appreciate the instrument's
capability to record physiological responses when an examinee
lies. Even those who doubt the instrument's eflectiveness are
encouraged to suppress their reactions, but their responses to
the chosen number remain evident.
When administering this test, it's important that the examiner
doesn't directly claim they will correctly identify the chosen
number at the end of the test (Barland, 1978).
 3. KNOWN NUMBER ACQUAINTANCE TEST
The US Army or DoDP| Stimulation test is a Known
Solution test without any deception. The series is read
1
once, and if there's clear physiological arousal, the chart
is shown to the examinee This method builds confidence in
2
the polygraph, boosting truthful individuals' confidence
and prompting more specific responses from deceptive
3
ones. It's a control procedure that has been beneficial in 4
all standardized government techniques. Additionally, the
Known-Solution Stimulation test helps identify a Spot 5
Responder or disprove such a claim from a deceptive
examinee (Decker, 1978). The Known Number
Acquaintance Test is typically the initial test chart, given
after reviewing the examination questions (Krapohl,
2010).
 4. TRUE BLUE CONTROL TEST
This acquaintance test reassures truthful examinees that
their polygraph tracings will differ when they tell the
truth versus when they lie, reducing their fear that
nervousness might make their truthful answers appear
deceitful. On the flip side, deceptive subjects might
attempt to alter their physiological responses to appear
honest. The test heightens the fear of detection in
deceptive examinees by showing that their lies will be
identified through the recorded physiological responses. It
also warns deceptive subjects against countermeasures,
as these efforts will fail. For the examiner, it provides a
chance to observe which channels consistently show
deceptive tracings when the subject lies and helps elicit
optimal deception responses during comparison and
relevant questions (Scarce, 1978).
 III. Purposes of Acquaintance Test (Krapohl 2010)
To familiarice the examinee with the testing process, the
sensors, examiners voice andtest procedures.
To reassure the innocent and focuses the guilty.
To pain idea of what examinee's normal physfolory looks like.
To adjust according to examinee's physiology.
To ensure that examinee can follow instruction.
To ensure that examinee is cooperative.

IV. Rules in Conducting Acquaintance Test (Krapohl, 2010)

There should be no trickery or any appearance of trickery in the
alministration of accusintance tests. Subiect must be properly
given a pretest and posttest for him to understand the procedure.
Manipulating the of the acquaintance test. polygraph tracing id
not allowed. and feedback is given to the examinee regarding the
outcome
LESSON 7.3. DATA
COLLECTION
PROCEDURES
I. INTRODUCTION
The second nart of the polvgranh evamination is the in-test data collection
phase. The American Polygraph Association requires the use of various
validated techniques minicable to any testing purposes. Various Comparison
Question Technique format requires a minimum of three relevant chart to
evaluate the polygraph data. If the data are not sufficient to obtain test result,
additional chart is allowed. Five charts are the maximum.
II. PLACEMENT OF POLYGRAPH SENSORS
The polygraph examiner must explain the purpose of each
sensor while attaching them to the examinee, ensuring the
examinee understands that the sensors have no harmful
effects on their body, except on the pressures applied to the
arm cuff. The placement of sensors is done in the following
order:
Lower Pneumograph
Upper Pneumograph
Electrodermal Activity
Plethysmograph - (when using the computerized polygraph).
Cardio Arm euff.
III. REVIEW OF POLYGRAPH QUESTIONS
To ensure that the examinee understands each question
and can determine the appropriate answer, the polygraph
examiner shall review to the examinee the questions that
will be asked during the test. The questions are presented
in this sequence:
1. Relevant
2. Sacrifice Relevant
3. Comparison
4. Neutral/Irrelevant
5. Introductory/Symptomatic
IV. INSTRUMENT SET UP
When using an analog polygraph, the examiner shall determine the voltage
requirement of the polygraph. Once the power is on, the following steps are
performed:
1. Close the vent.
2. Inflate the cuff to a higher pressure, then release the air to the ideal cuff
pressure. This physical contact with the examinee
3. procedure prevents the examiner from massaging the subject's arm, thereby
avoiding
4. Set the required sensitivity to determine the ideal tracing amplitude.
5. Center the pen.
6. Push the chart button to start the recording. Ensure the consistency of the ink
flow.
7. Run the chart to at least six (6) inches to establish the average tracing.
V. CHART MARKING
Indicate the appropriate markings on the polygraph chart to denote any
annotations that is significant to the interpretation of physiological data. Chart
markings include the questions on set and offset, subject's answer, questions
number, any artifacts, and other details of examiner's importance.

VI. ASKING OF POLYGRAPH QUESTIONS

The interval of polygraph questions is sequenced at 25-35 seconds. The number of
questions presented may vary depending on the polygraph technique used.
VII. BETWEEN-CHART- STIMULATION.
After the completion of the first test, polygraph examiner employs a between -
chart - stimulation technique to enhance the reactivity of polygraph subject.

VIII. MINIMUM CHART REQUIREMENTS.

A comparison questions test format requires a minimum of three charts before
analysis. If three charts are insufficient to reach a decision during the polygraph
data analysis, additional charts are collected (up to a maximum of 5). The Directed
Lie Screening Test is also a type of comparison question test used for screening
purposes. This technique requires a minimum of one chart for evaluating the
collected data. Relevant questions are asked three times in one series. If the data
are insufficient to decide, repeating the series is necessary.
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