The Polygraph Instrument and Key Requirements

The Polygraph
instrument and
key requirements
Group 2
3 MAJOR COMPONENTS, IT’S
ESSENTIAL PARTS AND
ACCESSORIES
Pneumograph
consist of two 10 inches convoluted tubes fastened around
the subjects chest and abdomen. During a test, as
circumference of the subject’s chest and abdomen increases
with each inspiration of air, the pneumograph tubes stretch:
as the subject exhales, the contraction it moves.
Primary Function: Records the changes of breathing and

respiration of the subject.
 Galvanograph
consist of electrodes attached to the index finger
and the ring finger of the left hand or to the
palmar and dorsal surface of the left hand, the
left hand is suitable because of the fact that the
blood pressure cuff attachment is on the right
arm.
Function: It records the skin resistance of the

subject to a very imperceptible amount of
electricity.
Cardiosphygmograph
consist of blood pressure cuff and rubber
pump, and the SPHYGMOMANOMETER,
of the typed used by physician.
The blood pressure cuff is fastened around
the subject’s right arm in such away as to
ensure that the rubber portion of the cuff is
placed over the brachial artery for a more
satisfactorily recording.
Cardiosphygmograph
When the rubber cuff is inflated, the
alternating distension and contraction of the
tissue of the subject’s arm, due to the changes
in blood pressure (and probably blood volume
as well), cause an increase in pressure within
the cuff.
Function: It records the changes of blood

pressure and pulse rate.
Data Acquisition
System (DAS)
Data Acquisition System (DAS)
which is the system that acquires
the data from the accessories and
translates it into analyzable
information. This data can then be
read and interpreted by a computer
and a Polygraph Examiner
Polygraph Software
 A modern polygraph
instrument saves information in a
digital format contrary to the analog
instruments that used to print the
readings on moving paper.
 Polygraph producers have their own

proprietary software which comes
with the polygraph instrument. The
physiological collection algorithms
do pretty much the same thing and
there are not many differences
among polygraph instrument
brands.
Instruments Accessories
A. The second
pneumographic
component B. Plethysmograph
 A Plethysmograph measures
 The pneumograph component of changes in volume in different
the polygraph records the areas of your body. It measures
subject's respiratory rate. One these changes with blood pressure
tube is placed around the subject's cuffs or other sensors. These are
chest and a second is placed attached to a machine called a
around his or her abdomen. These plethysmograph. Plethysmography
tubes are filled with air. When the is especially effective in detecting
subject breaths, changes in the air changes caused by blood flow.
pressure in the tubes are recorded
on the polygraph.
C. Kymograph D. Chart Papers Or
 an instrument for recording Graphs Or Polygrams
variations in pressure, e.g. in sound 
waves or in blood within blood
It records the changes in pulse
vessels, by the trace of a stylus on a rate and blood pressure. Chart or
rotating cylinder. Polygrams- refers to the
composite record of the
pneumograph, galvanograph,
and cardiosphygmograph tracing
recorded from one series of
questions.
E. The Polygraph F. Inking system
Controls The portion of a printing
 Are the Resonance control press responsible for
unit which is used for transferring ink from the ink
reducing or increasing the fountain to the printing plate.
amount of air pressure to The nomenclature of the
reach the brass bellows inking system depends on
(tambour) and thus reduce or the type of printing process
increase the amplitude of pen and press utilized.
excursions.
 Centering control which is
used to provide adjustment of
the tracing so that the
composite records pattern
would be on the guideline.
G. The Polygraph Chair
 Chairs for use with our

Computerized Polygraph Systems.
 Chairs are available with or

without built-in Activity Sensors,
and different configurations of
included.
Polygraph Instrumentation
(Conventional vs Computerized)
Conventional Instruments
Conventional test machines, also known as
analog instruments, are still sometimes used for
testing, although they are diminishing in
popularity compared with computerized versions.
The analog instruments used a complex "box"
with a series of switches and dials, a roll of chart
paper, and moving pens to record changes in
physiological measurements.
Conventional Instruments
The examiner would then need to read all of
these papers, recording which questions were
asked when, in order to determine whether
the noted changes indicated a lie.
Problems with this system included ink
shortage, paper tears, and discrepancies
resulting from initial pen placement.
Computerized Instruments
New technology has allowed for the
development of computerized polygraph
tests, rendering the analog equipment
nearly obsolete.
Rather than wasting paper and time

fiddling with the conventional equipment,
examiners now use programs such as those
created by Axciton Systems and Stoelting
Company to record and decipher all
measurements on their portable computer
screens.
Computerized Instruments
The system will usually have options to
view the test results on-screen or printed
out, and may have composite options with
chart-scoring as well.
While polygraph enthusiasts argue that the
computerized versions have immense
improvements over their older analog
counterparts, anti-polygraph activists
maintain that the same and other issues are
still there, such as ease of "beating" the
test using physiological modifiers.
The Polyhgraph Room and
Physical Layout
What is the importance
of polygraph room
during the examination?
The primary purpose of the
polygraph test in security screening
is to identify individuals who
present serious threats to national
security. To put this in the language
of diagnostic testing, the goal is to
reduce to a minimum the number of
false negative cases.
What should be the
room condition when
conducting
polygraph?
In general, the room in

which the test is given
should be reasonably plain
so as not to distract the
subject.
Qualification And Training For A
Polygraph Examiner
Education
Individuals looking to work as polygraph
examiners often need to hold an associate's
or bachelor's degree. Degrees in criminal
justice, criminology, psychology, or forensic
science are most beneficial. Interpersonal
communication skills and writing skills are
required for potential examiners.
Polygraph examiners can attend one of

several polygraph academies throughout the
United States, where they receive more than
200 hours of industry-specific training.
Training
Individuals looking to work as polygraph
examiners often need to hold an associate's
or bachelor's degree. Degrees in criminal
justice, criminology, psychology, or forensic
science are most beneficial. Interpersonal
communication skills and writing skills are
required for potential examiners.
Polygraph examiners can attend one of

several polygraph academies throughout the
United States, where they receive more than
200 hours of industry-specific training.
Polygraph Examiner’s Duties & Responsibilities
This job requires candidates to be able to perform duties that include the following:
 Prepare subjects for testing.
 Conduct polygraph exams.
 Prepare written reports.
 Work closely with investigators.
 Provide courtroom testimony.
 Obtain continuing education.

(5) Skills that a Polygraph Examiner Should Master
Communication skills Critical thinking

 A polygraph examiner may need to  Examiners must use critical thinking
testify in court, write reports, and work and their best judgment to perform
with other law enforcement their job well.
individuals.
Detail-oriented Math and science skills
 Individuals must pay strict attention to  Individuals must pay strict attention to
detail and nuance when examining detail and nuance when examining
polygraph tests. polygraph tests.
Work Environment
Polygraph examiners work for public law
enforcement agencies, criminal investigative
entities, intelligence services, and private
consulting and investigative firms.
Work Schedule
Technicians working in laboratories typically work
a standard 40-hour workweek, although they may
need to be on-call after normal business hours to
work immediately on a case.
Factors That May Delay Or
Preclude a Polygraph Exam
Factors
 Factors can delay a Polygraph Examination is
Polygraph errors may be caused by the examiner's
failure to properly prepare the examinee for the
examination, or by a misreading of the
physiological data on the polygraph charts. As
with any test involving humans, it's possible for
an examiner to do everything correctly and still
have the test result in an error.
 Errors are usually referred to as either false

positives or false negatives. A false positive
occurs when a truthful examinee is reported as
being deceptive; a false negative, when a
deceptive examinee is reported as truthful. Since
it is recognized that any error is damaging,
examiners utilize a variety of procedures to
identify the presence of factors which may cause
errors or an unbiased review of the polygraph
records.
Factors Evaluated By The
Examiner
(7)Physical Factors
The Safety Zone

When a person feels as though they’re being
interrogated, it is subconscious nature to attempt to
magnify the space around them. If they feel cornered
in their mind, they will attempt to find open space
physically
Legs and Feet

For millions of years, the feet have been our primary
method of transportation. When a dangerous situation
presents itself, we either run, attack or freeze – all of
which are initiated by our feet. This primitive instinct
remains in us today and is an incredibly effective
method of determining a person’s true intentions.
Physical Factors
Arms and Hands
The natural position for a person’s hands to be in are
resting on the table with their palms either facing
downwards or together. When a person is lying, their
hands may clench together as though they are
keeping something concealed in their fists. If not a
clenched hand, their palms may also “fold”
Face
Any facial expression which lingers for longer than
is necessary is a sign the person is hiding something
A person’s rate of blinking may increase during times
of distress. We blink between 10-20 times per minute,
and this will increase to around 40-45 times if a
person is hiding something. Unconscious head
movements which contradict verbal statements are
particularly revealing
Mental Factors
 According to DePaulo and Morris , De Paulo And Morris
liars take longer to start answering
questions than truth-tellers but when "Liars’ answers sound more discrepant
they have time to plan, liars actually and ambivalent, the structure of their
start their answers more quickly than stories is less logical, and their stories
truth-tellers. And they talk less. On sound less plausible,"
the whole, to other people, liars seem
more negative, more nervous and
complaining, and less cooperative
than truth-tellers.
 Liars also use fewer hand movements

to illustrate their actions but are more
likely to repeat words and phrases.
Selection of the subject
Selection of the Test
Subject
Basis for Subject Selection, which
is referred to as “inclusion criteria”
in the protocol, includes specific
information about the characteristics
or status of the subjects making them
appropriate candidates for the study.
Thank you!

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The Polygraph

Primary Function: Records the changes of breathing and

Function: It records the skin resistance of the

Function: It records the changes of blood

 Polygraph producers have their own

 Chairs for use with our

 Chairs are available with or

Rather than wasting paper and time

In general, the room in

Polygraph examiners can attend one of

Polygraph examiners can attend one of

 Prepare subjects for testing.

 Conduct polygraph exams.

 Prepare written reports.

 Work closely with investigators.

 Provide courtroom testimony.

 Obtain continuing education.

Communication skills Critical thinking

Detail-oriented Math and science skills

 Errors are usually referred to as either false

The Safety Zone

Legs and Feet

 Liars also use fewer hand movements

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