What is a Polygraph Test, How Accurate Is It, and When Do I Need One?
A polygraph test is more commonly known as a lie detector test.
It is a test that measures and records physiological reactions including skin conductivity, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration whilst the subject answers targeted and specifically designed questions.
The theory behind how polygraph tests work is that when someone lies, they experience psychological stress, which will be reflected in their physiological responses.
How Does A Polygraph Test Work?
A polygraph machine will measure your physiological responses while you answer questions.
The questions will be asked by a certified polygraph examiner who has been trained to ask questions in a specific way.
The questions will usually be divided into three categories: control questions, irrelevant questions, and relevant questions.
Control questions are used to establish your baseline responses to simple yes or no questions.
Irrelevant questions are used to distract you from the relevant questions.
The relevant questions are the ones that are important to the issue at hand.
The examiner will be looking for changes in your physiological responses to the relevant questions as compared to your responses to the control and irrelevant questions.
If there is a significant difference, it may be an indication that you are lying about the relevant question.
However, there are many things that can cause false positives such as anxiety, fear, or nervousness, so the results of the polygraph test should not be used as conclusive evidence on their own.
Accuracy Statistics For Polygraph Lie Detector Tests
Our investigator is an expert in this field, carrying out several polygraph tests a week. They have invested in the latest equipment, which together with their expertise, aims to achieve a 90 to 99% accuracy rate.
Our Private Investigator will be able to read the results of the polygraph machine, which detects subtle changes in heart rate, breathing and with the facial mapping equipment – pupil dilation. This all leads to a highly accurate result.
The industry standard to determine accurate results is 3 curated questions. However, we have chosen to use 6 curated questions to increase the likelihood of whether the subject is telling the truth or a lie.
What Are The Reasons For Requesting A Polygraph Test?
There are many reasons why someone may request a polygraph test.
Suspected infidelity.
Employers may require job applicants to take a polygraph test in order to screen for honesty or integrity.
Polygraph tests may also be requested by employers in cases of suspected fraud or theft.
We aim for a 90 to 99% accuracy rate.
In conclusion, a polygraph test is a lie detector test that measures physiological responses to specific types of questions in order to determine whether someone is being truthful or deceptive.
Polygraph tests may be requested by suspicious partners – or often the accused partner! Employers during screening processes or by insurance companies in cases of fraud or theft.
If you are interested in polygraph testing, get in touch with Dolos Investigations to find out more today.
