Polygraph testing is often used to verify the truthfulness of an individual’s statements, particularly in legal and employment settings. The process of questioning in a polygraph test may seem intimidating, but it is important to understand the procedures and the types of questions that will be asked.

Pre-Test Interview

Before the test, a pre-test interview will be conducted to gather all the relevant information about the matter under investigation. This is done to ensure that the questions asked in the test are specific to the issue and will not deviate from it. This interview is also an opportunity for the examiner to establish rapport with the examinee and to put them at ease.

Comparison Questions

The test begins with a series of comparison questions, which are designed to establish the examinee’s baseline reactions during honest and dishonest responses. These questions help to calibrate the subject and record their initial responses. Comparison questions are often designed to be simple and non-threatening, such as “Is today Monday?” or “Do you have a brother?”

Relevant Questions

After the comparison questions, the examiner will ask up to three relevant questions in relation to the actual reason for the test. These questions are specific to the issue being investigated and must adhere to the strict guidelines of the American and British Polygraph Associations. The examiner will ensure that the questions remain focused on the issue at hand and will not ask for any unrelated or personal details.

Understanding the Questioning Process

It is natural to feel nervous or intimidated when undergoing a polygraph test, but understanding the process of questioning can help to alleviate some of the anxiety. It is important to remember that the examiner is there to verify the truthfulness of the examinee’s statements, and that the questions asked will be specific to the issue being investigated. If you have any concerns about the questioning process, do not hesitate to discuss them with the examiner beforehand.