One of the most frequently asked questions by clients, potential customers, and even competitors is: “How many critical questions can I ask during a polygraph examination?” The answer is multifaceted, requiring a detailed explanation of the context and purpose of the examination. Below, we delve into the factors influencing this question and explore the technical and procedural aspects of polygraph tests.
Defining Critical Questions
A critical question, also referred to as a relevant question, is the core inquiry that the client seeks to address during the examination. These questions must be concise, straightforward, and focused on a single issue. For clarity and consistency, they are marked with the letter “R” in the examination report. Critical questions are crafted in simple, comprehensible language, avoiding legal jargon or ambiguous phrasing. The polygrapher oversees the formulation of these questions to ensure they meet scientific and procedural standards.
Purpose of the Examination
The number of critical questions depends on the purpose of the examination:
- Legal or Procedural Needs: These tests often focus on a single issue to maintain diagnostic accuracy.
- Private or Business Use: These may involve multiple questions, allowing clients to address broader concerns.
Common Testing Techniques
Polygraph examinations commonly employ validated comparison question tests, approved by the American Polygraph Association (APA). The most frequently used test types include:
- Single-Issue Tests:
- You-Phase (Bi-Zone): Focuses on one problem with two critical questions (R5, R7).
- Utah ZCT: Includes three critical questions (R1, R2, R3), sometimes extending the scope to related knowledge.
- Multi-Issue Tests:
- USAF MGQT v.2 and Utah MGQT: Allow up to four critical questions, each addressing a separate issue. These tests are popular for private examinations, as clients often prioritize the ability to ask more questions over the diagnostic accuracy of the test.
Procedural Consistency Regardless of Question Count
Regardless of the number of critical questions, the polygraph examination process remains the same. Key steps include:
- Obtaining the subject’s consent, typically in written form.
- Conducting a pre-test interview to assess the subject’s psychophysiological state.
- Explaining the examination procedure.
- Reviewing and finalizing the questions.
- Conducting a demonstration test.
- Performing the diagnostic test across 3-5 series, depending on results.
- Post-test discussion and analysis.
Each of these steps requires meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the subject fully understands the process. Thus, the time and effort involved in the examination remain consistent, irrespective of whether one or multiple questions are asked.
Time Considerations for Polygraph Examinations
The duration of a polygraph examination depends on several factors, such as the number of critical questions and the need for repeated test series. A typical timeline includes:
- Pre-Test Procedures: 1.5 hours for consent, interviews, and question preparation.
- Diagnostic Test: Each series lasts 10-15 minutes, with breaks for analysis and discussion. A standard 3-series test takes approximately 30-45 minutes, while a 5-series test can extend to an hour.
For examinations involving multiple critical questions, additional tests may be required. Each subsequent test adds an average of one hour, making it possible to accommodate a large number of questions by conducting the examination over multiple sessions.
Handling Large Numbers of Critical Questions
While it is possible to conduct examinations with numerous critical questions, practical considerations such as the subject’s fatigue and potential habituation must be taken into account. In legal settings, tests with a significant number of questions are often spread across multiple days to ensure the subject’s comfort and maintain the reliability of the results.
Does Fewer Questions Affect Pricing?
Clients often ask whether a single-question test costs less than one with multiple questions. The answer lies in the standardized nature of polygraph examinations. Since the procedure remains identical in terms of preparation and execution, the pricing typically reflects the overall service rather than the number of questions asked.
Conclusion
Polygraph examinations are intricate procedures that go far beyond the simplistic notion of a “lie detector.” The number of critical questions, while significant, is only one aspect of a comprehensive and scientifically validated process. Whether for legal, private, or business purposes, the polygraph test offers flexibility and precision, tailored to the needs of each client.