what does poly mean in polygraph

Full Answer

What is the etymology of polygraph?

The word polygraph is literally derived from the Greek word “Polygraphos” meaning writing much. Therefore, the etymology of the polygraph originated from polys “much, many” and “Graphos” writing. But as a term, the polygraph is a device to record the alternations of distinct pulsations simultaneously.

What is a polygraph screening exam?

Polygraph screening exams are conducted by Intelligence Community agencies that adjudicate SCI and/or SAP eligibility. There are some federal law enforcement jobs that require a polygraph exam for determining employment suitability regardless of the security clearance involved.

What is a polygraph used for in SAP?

Polygraphs are instruments that measure physiological responses (respiration, pulse, blood pressure and galvanic resistance) to stress. Polygraphs are used to help determine an individual’s eligibility for a special assignment or access to specifically designated information protected within SAPs.

Is the polygraph exam a lie detector test?

But like so many other parts of the clearance process, the polygraph exam isn’t a cut-and-dried science. And despite what the movies might tell you, it’s not a lie detector test . Many applicants do not receive a simple “pass” or “fail.”

What is the meaning of poly graph?

: an instrument for recording variations of several different pulsations (as of physiological variables) simultaneously — compare lie detector.

What is a passing score on a polygraph?

U.S. Government studies have concluded that when a qualified examiner conducts the test properly, the polygraph exam is between 87 and 95 percent accurate. It is the most accurate means available for determining the truth or deception of a person answering a direct question.

How accurate is a lie detector test?

There have been several reviews of polygraph accuracy. They suggest that polygraphs are accurate between 80% and 90% of the time. This means polygraphs are far from foolproof, but better than the average person's ability to spot lies, which research suggests they can do around 55% of the time.

What is cardiograph in polygraph?

Lying is usually accompanied by an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which is measured by a cardiograph, an increase in breathing rate, which is measured by a pneumograph, and an increase in perspiration, which is measured by the change in the electrical resistance of the skin due to the increase of ...

How do you know if you passed the polygraph test?

If you were not deceptive in your exam, and have nothing to hide, then you have nothing to worry about. Your results will be revealed when the investigation or process is complete. Or when complete, you may inquire about your results if curious.

Can a good liar pass a polygraph?

Yes, it is possible to lie and pass a polygraph. First, the machine itself has flaws which can be exploited and many consider these devices to be, at best, "pseudoscience"; it's best to do some reading on this aspect, as the discussion is lengthy.

Can you fail a lie detector test if you are nervous?

According to a report from the National Academy of Sciences, “[a] variety of mental and physical factors, such as anxiety about being tested, can affect polygraph results – making the technique susceptible to error.” Unfortunately, once you have failed a government polygraph test, there may be little you can do to ...

Can you fail a polygraph when telling the truth?

According to Goodson, some people who are telling the truth can fail polygraph tests by trying too hard to control their body's responses.

Can you cheat on a polygraph test?

A simple way to cheat the polygraph is to deliberately distort your physiological readings when telling the truth, such as by biting your tongue, or imagining an embarrassing incident in the past.

What are the 4 major components of polygraph?

The four (4) phases involved in the conduct of a polygraph tests are : Initial interview with the investigator or person requesting the examination. Pre-test with the person to be examined. Conduct of the instrument test with the asking of a prepared list of questions previously reviewed with the subject.

How many hours that the average polygraph test usually last?

A polygraph examination normally takes any- where from 1 to 3 hours, although shorter or longer tests may result in a variety of circum- stances. The length of an examination depends on the purpose of the examination, as well as the sub- ject's attitude and a number of other factors.

What does Cardiographic mean?

Cardiography is the diagnostic recording of the heart's activity by electronic means. This tool is used to create a variety of cardiographic readouts, such as electrocardiograms, electrocardiographs, echocardiographs, and impedance cardiographs, all of which fall under the umbrella term of cardiography.

Can being nervous cause you to fail a polygraph?

According to a report from the National Academy of Sciences, “[a] variety of mental and physical factors, such as anxiety about being tested, can affect polygraph results – making the technique susceptible to error.” Unfortunately, once you have failed a government polygraph test, there may be little you can do to ...

How many questions do polygraph examiners usually ask?

The examiner has roughly 10 questions to ask during the polygraph. These questions will include three to four relevant questions, and the remainder are control questions. All questions are "yes" or "no" questions.

Are polygraphs yes or no questions?

Don't overthink. The polygraph examination consists primarily of yes or no questions that should be simple. If you're the kind of person who thinks there are no right or wrong answers, or who tends to doubt a choice after it's made, this may affect you.

How reliable and valid is the result of polygraph examination?

They estimate the accuracy of the polygraph to be 87%. That is, in 87 out of 100 cases, the polygraph can accurately determine if someone is lying or telling the truth. That sounds pretty impressive, but it is important to keep in mind that the polygraph is failing 13% of the time.

What is a polygraph?

The term "polygraph" literally means "many writings.". The name refers to the manner in which selected physiological activities are simultaneously recorded. Polygraph examiners my use conventional instruments, sometimes referred to analog instruments, or computerized instruments.

Why do polygraphs make errors?

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.

What is the pre test for polygraphs?

A typical polygraph examination will include a period referred to as a pre-test interview, a chart collection phase and a test data analysis phase. During the pre-test, the polygraph examiner will complete required paperwork and talk with the examinee about the test, answering any questions the examinee might have.

What is an inconclusive polygraph?

In a real life setting an inconclusive result simply means the examiner is unable to render a definite diagnosis of truth or deception. In such cases a second examination is usually conducted at a later date.

What is the most important topic covered in polygraph testing?

A rank ordered listing of topics covered during polygraph testing revealed that investigation of illegal drug usage, employment related dishonesty, and involvement in felonies are the most important.

What is a false positive?

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.

Is polygraph testing accurate?

While no polygraph technique is infallible, research clearly indicates that when administered by a competent examiner who follows proper protocols, polygraph testing is one of the most accurate means available to determine truth and deception.

What is a polygraph?

Polygraphs. Polygraphs are instruments that measure physiological responses (respiration, pulse, blood pressure and galvanic resistance) to stress. Polygraphs are used to help determine an individual’s eligibility for a special assignment or access to specifically designated information protected within SAPs.

What are the questions asked in a polygraph?

Questions asked might concern drug and alcohol use, sexual misconduct, mental health, family relationships, compulsive or addictive behavior and more. A Lifestyle Polygraph can also attempt to look for issues in a person’s private life for which he or she might be susceptible to blackmail or coercion.

Can you pass a polygraph?

You can also “ pass” the polygraph if you fall within an acceptable range of the NDI threshold. If you do not fall within the acceptable NDI parameter range of an agency or department’s polygraph program, your application process is terminated.

Who certifies polygraphs?

All polygraph examiners will have to be certified by the National Center for Credibility Assessment (NCCA). Polygraph examination types and their completion dates will be recorded in Scattered Castles or successor systems, unless otherwise authorized by the DNI.

Does OPM require a polygraph?

Generally polygraph exams are not used when only a collateral security clearance is needed. The OPM, which conducts 90% of all federal background investigations, does not conduct polygraph exams. Polygraph screening exams are conducted by Intelligence Community (IC) agencies that adjudicate SCI and/or SAP eligibility.

Can you polygraph for anything?

All 17 agencies & departments that make up the Intelligence Community (IC) can polygraph you for anything and everything at any time they choose. The gloves are off and it’s green light time. It can be during an initial job application process, a reinvestigation (PR) or at any point throughout your career as part of Continuous Evaluation (CE). This new guidance applies to the job applicants or current employees of the following federal agencies & departments that comprise the Intelligence Community (IC):

Why are my polygraph results inconclusive?

Oftentimes, some of the most reliable people receive inconclusive results on the polygraph exam. This comes from an overly-developed sense of guilt or nervousness. For example, if the administrator asks you if you’ve used drugs in the last 7 years, snorting Pixie Sticks in high school doesn’t count.

Is a polygraph a lie detector?

The measurements of the polygraph examination. One key takeaway to remember is that the exam is not a lie detector test. It measures your physical responses to factual questions; increased heart rate, increased respiration or perspiration can indicate evasiveness, nervousness, or deception.

Can a polygraph be inconclusive?

An inconclusive polygraph exam is not usually in itself cause for clearance denial. Polygraph administrators will often re-phrase questions if they are receiving inconclusive responses during the exam. If it’s declared inconclusive after the fact, the test will be re-administered.

Do you need a polygraph for a security clearance?

POLYGRAPHS? Most Top Secret (TS) security clearances DO NOT require them. Tread carefully in making your decision on whether to submit to a polygraph for a prospective job............If you don't "pass" or, in other words, show deception on the examination, you may risk losing any collateral clearance (Secret, TS) you already have been granted. So, not only will you fail to get the prospective job that required the Poly, you may lose the job you already have now!

Do you have to take a polygraph test?

In a process rife with mystery, snafus, and frustrations, one enigma reigns truly supreme: the polygraph examination. While not all cleared personnel are required to take a polygraph exam, those applying to work in the intelligence community often must face the machine. But like so many other parts of the clearance process, the polygraph exam isn’t a cut-and-dried science. And despite what the movies might tell you, it’s not a lie detector test . Many applicants do not receive a simple “pass” or “fail.” The test can be “inconclusive.” That’s where this week’s Ask CJ takes us.

Why do you need a polygraph?

There are some federal law enforcement jobs that require a polygraph exam for determining employment suitability regardless of the security clearance involved.

Why do you need to prepare for poly?

That's why you need to prepare for the poly, because it's the most important test you'll ever take in this field. You can fail despite being 100% honest and forthcoming. Knowing how they are conducted and how to conduct oneself is important. It's not as simple as "if you tell the truth you'll be fine."

Does OPM require a polygraph?

Generally polygraph exams are not used when only a collateral security clearance is needed. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which conducts 90% of all federal background investigations, does not conduct polygraph exams. Polygraph screening exams are conducted by Intelligence Community agencies that adjudicate SCI and/or SAP eligibility.

Can pregnant women take polygraphs?

Exemptions and Guidelines for Taking the Polygraph. Policies regarding medical fitness for an exam vary from agency to agency, but generally people who are sick (e.g. sinus infection, common cold, etc.) and pregnant women are not tested, because they may not be able to comfortably take the test.

Can you take a polygraph if you are sick?

Policies regarding medical fitness for an exam vary from agency to agency, but generally people who are sick (e.g. sinus infection, common cold, etc.) and pregnant women are not tested, because they may not be able to comfortably take the test. Most prescribed medication, including blood pressure medication, will not preclude testing. Thomas P. Mauriello, US DoD Chief, Polygraph, recommends that you:

What is a polygraph?

Polygraphs measure and graph the stress a person is under while answering a series of questions. You're asked a series of baseline questions to which you are told to answer truthfully. Then, you're asked another set of questions and instructed to lie.

How does a polygraph work?

How Polygraphs Work. Polygraphs are not foolproof, and some courts do not recognize them as authoritative, but they are a useful measure of whether someone is under the kind of stress that evasion of questions in real time can produce. Polygraphs measure and graph the stress a person is under while answering a series of questions. ...

What is a full scope polygraph?

A Full Scope Polygraph test, aka an Expanded Scope Polygraph or Full Scope Poly, is the most thorough form of polygraph test in use to screen security clearance candidates. As the name implies, it can include all the standard questions of both the Counterintelligence or CI Polygraph and the Lifestyle Polygraph tests and is designed to be exhaustive. The CI Polygraph focuses on questions such as, "Are you related to any terrorists," while the Lifestyle Polygraph questions focus more on your personal criminal history and drug use.

What are the topics examined during a full scope polygraph?

The topics examined during a Full Scope Polygraph can include espionage, sabotage, terrorism, deliberately damaging U.S. government information systems, deliberately compromising classified information, secretly contacting a foreign national or their agents, unauthorized disclosure or removal of classified information (whistleblowing), involvement with serious crime, involvement with illegal drugs in the preceding seven years, falsification of the security application and more. Any question the examiner deems relevant is asked.

Why do you need a polygraph?

The answers you give are investigated, and assuming all goes well, you're brought in for an interview. Because you're going for an elevated security clearance, a polygraph may be necessary to determine whether you're truthful.

Who is Lorraine Murphy?

She has been a judge and mentor at Van couver Startup Weekend multiple times, and is an in-demand keynote speaker.

Is polygraph a stressful process?

The investigation process is thorough, time-consuming and stressful. However, polygraph operators are accustomed to making allowances for nervous TS and SCI Poly candidates. Good luck with your exciting new clearance.

The History of Polygraph

Polygraph Invention

• Since 1730, research has begun on the invention of a device that can detect lies. These researches led to the initial appearance of the basic design of the polygraph device. From 1895, many criminologists and people tried to build a perfect and functional lie detector machine. They recorded changes in the person’s blood pressure, blood volume chang...

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Who Is Using The Polygraph?