I will only conduct examinations in accordance with the thorough testing procedures and protocols recognized by the American Polygraph Association (APA) and the American Association of Police Polygraphists (AAPP). This means only employing techniques and asking questions in formats that have been validated through years of research so that the results of the test can be trusted. I will not conduct a test that is inadequate, rushed, or otherwise deficient in any manner.
A polygraph examination is also referred to as a Forensic Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (FPDD) Test, or as a Truth Verification Test. When a person purposefully lies (the psychological aspect), the body reacts physically (the physiological aspect). These reactions may not be overtly visible, and the subject themselves may not be aware of them, nor do they have the ability to expressly control them. They may, however, be measured and recorded via the polygraph instrument.
A typical polygraph examination has 3 "phases," to include a pre-test phase, a chart collection phase, and a test data analysis phase:
- In the pre-test phase, the polygraph examiner will complete required paperwork and talk with the examinee about the test. During this period, the examiner will discuss the questions to be asked and familiarize the examinee with the testing procedure.
- During the exam phase, convoluted rubber tubes that are placed over the examinee's chest and abdominal area will record respiratory activity. Two small metal plates, attached to the fingers, will record electrodermal activity, and a blood pressure cuff, plethysmograph, or similar device will record cardiovascular and blood volume activity. During the chart collection the examiner will administer the polygraph test and collect a number of polygraph charts.
- Finally, the examiner will analyze the charts and render an opinion as to the truthfulness of the examinee.
I will only conduct examinations in accordance with the thorough testing procedures and protocols recognized by the American Polygraph Association (APA) and the American Association of Police Polygraphists (AAPP). This means only employing techniques and asking questions in formats that have been validated through years of research so that the results of the test can be trusted. I will not conduct a test that is inadequate, rushed, or otherwise deficient in any manner.
