Questions and Answers

Lie Detector" is the popular but misleading name for the polygraph. In Greek, polygraph means "many writings", and the instrument was so named because it makes various ink recordings of a person's bodily functions.

Actually, the polygraph should be called a "Truth Verifier", since statistics show that in the majority of instances the examiner's opinion is that the individual is truthful.

There are many misconceptions about a polygraph examination. The purpose of this page is to answer questions about the polygraph in a forthright, simple manner. Each of the following questions has been asked many times, not only by persons about to take an examination, but by merely those interested in the subject.

Q: What does a polygraph measure?

A polygraph examination consists of three separate and distinct phases. The "Pre-Test" interview, the "In-Test" phase and the "Post-Test" interview.

During the pre-test interview, the polygraphist will explain your legal rights and the voluntary nature of the examination. Also discussed is your medical, physical and psychological background as well as your knowledge of the investigation and an explanation on how the instrument works.

The in-test phase is the point where the examiner reviews all of the test questions with you and then will conduct a "Demonstration Test" to help assess your suitability for additional tests. Several tests will then be conducted which will include the reviewed questions. There will be no surprise questions on any of the tests. The examiner will then analyze the results of each test to arrive at an opinion.

During the post-test interview, the examiner will discuss the results of the test and provide you with his/her opinion.

Q: What if I am telling the truth but I am nervous?

It is normal for an innocent person to be nervous, and the examiner is aware of this.

Q: I have high blood pressure, won't that look as though I'm lying?

No. While blood pressure is one of the recordings, high blood pressure does not invalidate the results of the test. If you are currently under a doctors care for any medical condition be sure to tell the polygraphist about it.

Q: Does the test hurt? Will I get an electrical shock?

No, the test does not hurt. Also, there is no possibility of your getting an electric shock.

It is most important that during the examination you are as comfortable as possible. The only discomfort experienced may be on the arm because of the blood pressure cuff.

Q: What type of polygraph instrument does CNY Polygraph, LLC use?

CNY Polygraph, LLC uses Lafayette Instruments Computerized Polygraphs.

Q: What if the instrument malfunctions?

When anything occurs that could affect a test, it is obvious to the polygraphist who will stop the test. Routinely, the examiner checks the instrument to verify that it is working properly.

Q: Can I be forced to take the examination?

No. The polygraph examination is voluntary. The polygraph examiner requires your cooperation throughout the test. As a result, it must remain voluntary. If for any reason you don't wish to take the examination, you may decline.

Q: How long does an examination last?

Normally, most examinations require about two hours. Some may be longer or shorter depending upon the issues involved.

Q: Does the examination mean that the polygraph is infallible?

No. Most examinations readily reveal to the polygraphist whether or not the person is truthful. Possible outcomes of any polygraph examination are Truthful, Deceptive, or Inconclusive. Inconclusive means the examiner is unable to render an opinion of either Truthful or Deceptive in that particular case. This does not happen very often however. The polygraphist may request a re-examination if the results are inconclusive.

Q: How accurate are polygraph exams?

Please ​click here to review the American Polygraph Association "Polygraph Validity Research".

Q: Will I learn how to beat a polygraph exam?

No. At no time will CNY Polygraph, LLC reveal law enforcement or government trade secrets.

Q: Should I wear business attire to my exam?

No. You will be sitting down during the entire polygraph process, wear comfortable clothing.

Q: Can I make my employees submit to a polygraph examination?

No. The United States Department of Labor has strict guidelines for employers regarding polygraph exams. Click here for detailed information.

The goal of the polygraphist is to determine the truth. He or she must give careful attention to every person they are examining. Every person has the right to be examined with dignity and impartiality.