Savanna Hoffman
The use of polygraph tests, also known as lie detector tests, is a highly controversial topic. Invented in 1921, the test is still used by law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies, particularly in the US, with an estimated 2.5 million polygraph tests conducted in the country annually. Despite this, scientific and government bodies generally agree that polygraph tests are inaccurate and may be defeated by countermeasures. While universities offer courses in polygraph examination, it is unclear whether universities can subject students to polygraph tests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Invented | 1921 by John Augustus Larson |
| Users | US federal government, CIA, FBI, local law enforcement |
| Purpose | Lie detection |
| Accuracy | 80-90% (advocates) vs. "little evidence" (psychologists) |
| Countermeasures | General state, specific point |
| Education | University courses, e.g. HELP University |
| Requirements | Background in English, criminology, psychology, biology, etc. |
| Skills | Verbal communication, impartiality, understanding body language |
| Career | Financially lucrative, high demand in the US and Canada |
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What You'll Learn
Polygraph examiner career prospects
To become a polygraph examiner, you need a blend of education, certification, and experience. While some employers prefer a four-year college degree, others accept applicants with two years of university education in criminal investigation, along with relevant work experience. Polygraph examiner training, also known as "Psychophysiological Detection of Deception Programs," typically lasts between four to 18 weeks and is conducted at approved and accredited institutions. During your training, you will learn to administer and interpret polygraph tests, understand body language and deceptive behavior, and develop excellent communication skills to interact with nervous examinees.
After completing your training, you can obtain certification through organizations like the American Polygraph Association or state and regional examiner associations. This usually involves specialized exams, licensure requirements, and continuous training to stay updated with the latest practices. Polygraph examiners find employment in various fields, including law enforcement, government agencies, and private companies. You can work with organizations like the CIA, Department of Defense (DOD), FBI, and local law enforcement branches. Your responsibilities may include conducting background checks, suspect interrogations, pre-employment screening, and random employee testing.
Polygraph examiner positions are financially rewarding and valued by the business and government communities. Examiners are responsible for accurate test administration, analyzing results, and making recommendations. Continuous professional development is essential to maintain your license and stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field.
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Polygraph examiner qualifications
Polygraph examiners are in high demand in the public and private sectors, with opportunities in the CIA, Department of Defense, FBI, and local law enforcement. They play a crucial role in administering tests for various purposes, including background checks and suspect interrogations. The average annual salary for a polygraph examiner in the United States is around $67,665, with salaries ranging from $33,000 to $116,500 depending on skill level, location, and experience.
To qualify as a polygraph examiner, individuals must undergo specialized training, often referred to as "Psychophysiological Detection of Deception Programs." These programs are typically offered at approved and accredited institutions and range from four to 18 weeks in duration. During training, individuals learn to work with complex computerized systems and develop skills in detecting body language and deceptive behavior.
Some universities, such as HELP University, offer a Polygraph Examiner's Course that prepares individuals to qualify as professional polygraph examiners. This course equips participants with the knowledge and skills to administer polygraph examinations confidently and accurately. Participants learn to apply detection techniques to elicit confessions and identify deception, utilizing the latest computerized testing instruments and scoring software.
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Polygraph examiner ethics
Polygraph examiners are responsible for the accurate administration of polygraph tests. They work with complex computerized systems and must understand body language and deceptive behaviour. Polygraph examiners must adhere to a strict code of ethics at all times. They must remain impartial and objective and cannot favour one side or the other. They are not permitted to act with authority over the examinee and must respect the examinee's rights and wishes at all times.
Before the exam, examiners must inform the examinee of their rights and of all the questions they intend to ask in the session. They must ask the examinee if they have any objections to the questions or if they want to leave anything out. Examiners must not use intimidation tactics or pressure the examinee to answer questions if they wish to end the session. It is the examinee's choice to divulge information about their personal or social life, but the examiner must remind them that they are not obliged to do so.
In the United States, polygraph examiners must work within the confines of "The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988" (EPPA). Examiners cannot influence the polygraph results in favour of the employer, as this would violate the EPPA and place the employer at risk of an investigation. If found in violation of the EPPA, the employer may face large fines, and the examiner risks losing their job and their ability to practice.
Polygraph examiners must also be aware of the ethical issues surrounding the contexts and purposes for which they are asked to conduct examinations. For example, it would be unethical for an examiner to accept employment to inquire into the personal lives of employees or to conduct polygraph examinations to identify undercover law enforcement agents. Examiners should not become involved in any use of the polygraph that would serve criminal causes or violate the rights of those being tested.
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Polygraph accuracy
The accuracy of polygraph tests has been the subject of much debate and several studies. While polygraph examiners are expected to adhere to a code of ethics and remain impartial and subjective when conducting exams, the accuracy of the tests they administer is questionable.
The polygraph, also known as the "lie detector test," is designed to detect subtle changes in a person's physiological responses, such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and perspiration, when they lie. The general idea is that a person's physiological responses remain stable when they are being honest, while a guilty person may experience anxiety or fear of being caught in a lie, leading to changes in their physiological state.
However, the effectiveness of polygraph tests in detecting lies has been widely disputed. A comprehensive review by the National Academy of Sciences in 2003 concluded that there was "little basis for the expectation that a polygraph test could have extremely high accuracy." This review was supported by the American Psychological Association, which stated that most psychologists agree that there is limited evidence to support the accuracy of polygraph tests in lie detection. Similarly, the 1983 US Congress Office of Technology Assessment review found only limited scientific evidence for the validity of polygraph testing, and significant error rates are possible.
The National Research Council's review in 2002 acknowledged that polygraph tests could discriminate between lying and truth-telling at rates above chance, especially in populations untrained in countermeasures. However, it also cautioned against generalizing these findings, particularly for screening purposes, as the accuracy of polygraphs in such contexts is likely lower.
Furthermore, the polygraph's accuracy is influenced by the emotional state of the examinee. In the case of Aldrich Ames, who lied during his CIA polygraph examinations and passed, it was suggested that he remained calm and relaxed, following the advice of his Russian handlers, which may have contributed to his ability to deceive the test.
While polygraph testing is used in various sectors, including government, law enforcement, and pre-employment screening, its accuracy is not sufficient to justify its sole reliance in employee security screening in federal agencies. The use of polygraphs in lie detection is considered a form of pseudoscience or junk science, and the results can be influenced by examiner techniques, examinee differences, and the use of countermeasures.
Despite the controversies and limitations of polygraph testing, it continues to be a sought-after service, and polygraph examiners are employed in both the public and private sectors. Polygraph examiner training, also known as "Psychophysiological Detection of Deception Programs," is offered at accredited institutions, providing individuals with the knowledge and skills to administer polygraph examinations.
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Polygraph countermeasures
Today's polygraph machines utilise sophisticated software, AI, and machine learning algorithms, making them highly accurate in detecting deception. These modern polygraphs can also detect the use of countermeasures by the examinee. When an examinee employs a countermeasure, their physiological baseline response changes, and these changes are picked up by the software. As a result, the examiner may intervene and ask the examinee about their use of countermeasures.
Despite the advancements in polygraph technology, some individuals still research and discuss countermeasures to manipulate polygraph results. These countermeasures aim to interfere with the body's ability to exhibit the fight-or-flight response or the polygraph's ability to detect physiological changes. Examples of countermeasures include biting one's cheek, clenching one's buttocks, or using drugs to mask deception. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of countermeasures is inconclusive, and there is a lack of comprehensive research on the topic.
The use of countermeasures is a concern for federal agencies, as it poses a potential threat to national security. Individuals who teach or advertise countermeasures may face legal consequences, as seen in the case of Chad Dixon, who was arrested for instructing people seeking federal employment on countermeasure techniques. The federal government's response underscores the seriousness with which they view countermeasures and their potential impact on security.
In conclusion, polygraph countermeasures are techniques used to deceive polygraph examinations, but their effectiveness is questionable due to advancements in polygraph technology. The development of statistical decision models and improved accuracy of deception detection techniques further challenge the reliability of countermeasures. While some individuals continue to explore countermeasures, the risks associated with their use, including potential legal repercussions, should be carefully considered.
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Frequently asked questions
No, universities cannot subject students to polygraph tests. Polygraph tests, commonly known as lie detector tests, are typically used by law enforcement agencies, government bodies, and private companies for pre-employment screening and employee testing.
A polygraph test, invented in 1921, measures an individual's physiological responses, such as blood pressure, breathing rate, and skin conductance, to assess their truthfulness.
The accuracy of polygraph tests is debated. While some claim an accuracy of 80-90%, scientific and government bodies generally suggest that they are inaccurate and may be defeated by countermeasures.
Polygraph tests are administered by trained and certified polygraph examiners who work in the public and private sectors. These examiners are responsible for conducting the test, analyzing the results, and making recommendations.
To become a polygraph examiner, you typically need a combination of education, certification, and experience. While a college degree is preferred, there are polygraph training schools that offer courses to train individuals to become examiners. These courses cover topics such as evidence-based practices, test question construction, and examiner visual hand scoring.
