WHAT IS A POLYGRAPH?
A polygraph is often referred to as a lie detector test. However, a polygraph cannot detect lies. It is a device that examines a subject’s physiological reactions to inquiries. The information gathered by the polygraph will then be analysed to determine if a person was being truthful or dishonest when responding to the questions.
Have you ever been in a circumstance where you could tell by the way someone acted that you knew well was lying to you? For example, they can’t look you in the eyes directly, they shift their weight, or their speech tone alters. Based on their bodily reactions, you just have a feeling that they are not being truthful.
The idea behind a polygraph is that someone cannot lie without evoking psychophysiological responses. Simply put, telling the truth is easier for people physiologically than telling lies. When we lie, we experience stress, anxiety, or worry that we may be discovered as lying.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN A POLYGRAPH AND WHAT DOES IT MEASURE?
When you employ a polygraph service, a certain process will take place. You must first show up to the polygraph service location. It should take about two hours to conduct an accurate polygraph test. A certified examiner with prior professional experience in polygraph testing will next arrive to meet you.
A polygraph pre-test may be conducted by some polygraph services. The trained examiner will sit down with the subject of the test and converse with them. The conversation will typically center on the subject’s feelings toward taking a polygraph test and the circumstance that brought them into the polygraph office. This can aid the examiner in better understanding the examinee and building a profile of them.
A polygraph will measure four physiological responses:
- Heart Rate
- Blood Pressure
- Respiratory Rate
- Perspiration
When someone lies, their heart rate and blood pressure often increase as a natural reaction. Their body will start to perspire as their pulse rate and blood pressure rise. The breathing pattern of a person who is lying down will quicken and become shallower.
How a Polygraph Machine Works
A professional examiner will prepare the polygraph by fitting numerous sensors to the subject.
- Cardiograph: measures heart rate and blood pressure. Anomalies are recorded if there are any.
- Pneumograph: measures breathing rate. Strain gauges are fastened to the subject’s chest and belly.
- Electrodes: these are affixed to the subjects’ fingers to check for changes in the skin’s electrical resistance. Electrolyte levels will rise as a result of perspiration which will alter the electrode’s electrical resistance.
- Is your name Joe Soap?
- Do you live in South Africa?
- Were you born in 1984?
- Do you have two children?
After that, specific questions will be asked. For example, if you are suspected of stealing from your employer, one of the questions would be, “Have you ever stolen something from your employer?”
The professional examiner will analyse the data generated by the polygraph test after it is finished.
What can a Polygraph Service be Used for?
Who Can Benefit from Using Our Services?
Anyone who suspects that someone close to them is lying can also take advantage of reliable polygraph services.
Employers: A polygraph service on employees has numerous advantages for employers. You can determine who is responsible for any theft or damage at the workplace. Then, you can act appropriately against your negligent or dishonest employee.
Additionally, using a polygraph service sends a message to other workers. More employees may start to take advantage if they discover that you are unable to identify the perpetrators of theft or property damage in your company. By openly using a polygraph service, you can show your staff that dishonesty and illegal behavior are not acceptable. This will serve as a natural deterrent and hopefully stop any workplace disputes in the future.
Partners: In a relationship, polygraph testing might be challenging. Asking your spouse to submit to a polygraph test is an open admission that you have suspicions about them and don’t believe they will be completely honest with you.
A polygraph test may not always speak louder than your partner’s actions. They may be guilty if they clearly reject a polygraph examination. If they were innocent, they would have nothing to worry about.
Law Enforcement: Law enforcement frequently makes use of polygraph services, which have various advantages. They can assist in figuring out whether someone is being truthful or dishonest about their alleged involvement in illegal behavior. A polygraph examination can also be used to assess a witness’s credibility in relation to a crime.