Notes in Polygraphy - Final Edit

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY – CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
POLYGRAPHY: LIE DETECTION

by: WILLIAM DELA CRUZ,RCRIM
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF LIE DETECTION
1.) INTRODUCTION
In the middle of the 19th century, Dr. Hans Gross, an Austrian known as the “Father of
Criminalistics”, defined “SEARCH FOR TRUTH” as the basis and goal of all criminal
investigations. He asserted that “a large part of the criminalist’s work is nothing more than a
battle against lies. He has to discover the truth and must fight the opposite. He meets the opposite
at every step.
The searches for truth and attempts at uncovering falsehood have been a universal and
almost constant endeavor dating back at ancient times. In their attempt to discover deception,
primitive societies developed complex procedures founded on magic and mysticism. The doors
to the truth, divine creatures sent messages through fire, boiling water and torture. In some
instances, faith in these powerful mysticism miraculously allowed the innocent to go unscathed
while the guilty bore the mark of guilt.
Some of these rituals were based on sound physiological principles. Oriental people for
example distinguished truth form lying by having the entire accused chew dry rice and then spit it
out. While this was a simple task for the honest, those who were deceiving has difficulty in
accomplishing this task and were then judged to be guilty and punished accordingly. This practice
recognized that fear slows the digestive process, including salivation. Thus, the deceptive were
unable to spit out the dry rice, while the innocent, having faith in the power of their deity to clear
them of the unjust accusation, felt little fear in contrast to the guilty who know they would be
discovered.
In every criminal investigation, the truth must be established to ensure proper prosecution
of offenders. Criminal investigators must exert all effort to determine lying not only on the part
of the suspect but as well as to everyone involved in the criminal act – witnesses, victims, etc.
In establishing the truth, criminal investigators apply various methods such as:
observation; mechanical lie detection; use of drugs that inhibits the “inhibitor”; hypnosis; and
interrogation.
RELEVANT TERMS:
LIE DETECTION
 It is the system or practice of determining whether or not somebody is telling the truth
during questioning.
 AKA “deception detection”/ “Detection of Deception”
LIE
 Any untruthful statement; Falsehood; Anything that deceives or creates false impression;
 To make untrue statements knowingly, especially with intent to deceive; To give an
erroneous or misleading impression;
LYING
 the uttering or conveying falsehood or creating a false or, misleading impression with
intention of wrongfully affecting the act, option or affection of others.
DECEPTION
 is an act of deceiving or misleading which is usually accomplished by lying.
DETECTION
 is the act of discovering the existence or presence of something hidden or obscured.
POLYGRAPHY
 It is the scientific method of detecting deception with the use of a polygraph instrument.
 derived from the two Greek words:

o POLY - means “Many” or “More” and
o GRAPHOS - Which means “Writings”
 Literally: “many writings”
POLYGRAPH
 It is a scientific diagnostic instrument used to record physiological changes in the blood
pressure, pulse beat/rate, respiration and skin resistance (galvanic-skin-reflex or GSR) of
an examinee as indicative of emotional excitement especially of lying when questioned.
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Other name of the Polygraph?
It is also called “Truth Verifier” since statistics show that is the vast majority of
the instances the instrument verifies an innocent person’s truthfulness.
It is also known as “deceptograph”
Lie Detector?
 It is the popular but misleading name of the Polygraph. In Greek, Polygraph means
“many writings” and the instrument was so named because it make various ink
recordings of a person’s body functions.
EMOTION
● is a complex state of feeling involving conscious experience, internal and external
physical responses, and power to motivate the organism to action.
STIMULUS
 is the force or motion reaching the organism from the environment and excites the
preceptors
REACTION
 is any activity aroused in an organism by a stimulus, which is of mental process.
RESPONSE
 is any reaction, usually of muscular or glandular processes that depends upon stimulation.
SPECIFIC RESPONSE
 is one that is exhibited by a subject to a particular question, which is a deviation from his
norm
NORMAL RESPONSE
 refers to any activity or inhibition of a previous activity of an organism or part of the
organism resulting from stimulation.
ELECTRODERMAL RESPONSE
 it refers to human body phenomenon in which the skin changes resistance electrically
upon the application of certain external stimuli. Also referred to a Psycho galvanic skin
reflex or galvanic skin response.
DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE

 refers to the downward blood pressure representing the low pressure to the closing of the
valves and heart relaxed.
SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE

 the upward blood pressure as the apex of the curve caused by the contraction of the heart,
valves are open and blood is rushing into the arteries.
SUBJECT
 refers to any person undergoing polygraph examination.
POLYGRAPH EXAMINER/POLYGRAPHIST
 one conducting the polygraph examination or test.
POLYGRAPH TEST/EXAMINATION
 is the whole process of questioning or taking of one chart from a series of questions or all
of the charts and questions sheet used in the test
POLYGRAPH CHART/ POLYGRAM

 refers to the recorded tracing of all the emotional patterns permanently on the charts or
graphs from series of questions
2.) HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
“SCIENTIST WHO CONTRIBUTED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF POLYRAPH”

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A. THE DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIOSPYMOGRAPH
1. ANGELO MOSSO – 1895

 He studied fear influence on the heart and his observation subsequently forms the basis
for detecting technique.
 He developed a type of sphygmomanometer and scientific cardio for the study of fear.
 He made the PLETHYSMOGRAPH (an instrument used to measure the changes in the
heart beat and respiration.
2. CESAR LOMBROSO – 1895

 An Italian scientist
 He was accorded the distinction being the first person to utilize an instrument for the
purpose of detecting lies.
 He employed the first scientific instrument to detect deception.
 This machine is called Hydrosphymograph it measures changes in pulse and blood
pressure when suspect were questioned about their involvement in a particular offense.
HYDROSPHYGMOGRAPH - An instrument for the purpose of detecting lie, through

Blood Pressure
 Procedure on the use of the “HYDROSPHYGMOGRAPH” in detecting deception:

(a) Subject’s hand placed in a water filed tank sealed with membranes of
rubber;
(b) Subject will be shown pictures connected with the crime or mention will
be made to relevant facts of the crime;
(c) Pulsation of blood in fist were recorded on smoked drum.
 . He believes that there is such a thing as born criminal (false). Through stigmata, you
can determine a person who can be a criminal.
**Stigmata – bodily marks like Christ wounds impressed supernaturally
3. DR. WILLIAM Moulton MARSTON – 1915

 He conducted numerous tests for detecting deception utilizing the changes in systolic
blood pressure
 He favored discontinuous method of reading systolic blood pressure
 He also experimented with galvanograph which register changes in skin resistance to
record tension.
 He dealt with the SPHYGMOMANOMETER which was used to obtain periodic
discontinuous blood pressure readings during the course of an examination;
 He also experienced with and helped to develop the pneumograph, which records
breathing patterns, and the galvanometer, which registers changes in skin resistance.
4. JOHN A. LARSON – 1921

 He devised an instrument capable of continuously recording blood pressure changes,
pulse rate and respiration.
 In the year 1921. He also was the first to use more than one recording to detect deception
 First Inventor of American Polygraph Machine
 He also developed broad board lie detector which was polygraphic, apparatus in portable
form.
5. LEONARD KEELER –1926
 Father of MODERN POLYGRAPHY.
 He Continued research and development of the polygraph. In 1949, he invented the
Keeler Polygraph with components that simultaneously recorded changes in blood
pressure, pulse and respiration, as well as the newly developed galvanic skin reflex..
 He devised the chart roll paper, a better method of questioning, and incorporated the
kymograh.
 He also devised a metal bellows.
 In the year 1926 the polygraph included in addition to units for recording blood
pressure, pulse, respiration and galvanic skin reflex or electrodermal response
known as GSR.
 Gained the first hand experience in polygraph interrogation
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B. THE DEVELOPMENT OF GALVANOGRAPH COMPONENT
1. LUIGI GALVANI – 1791

 An Italian physiologist who was accorded the distinction for developing the galvanic skin
reflex (GSR) or the GALVANOMETER, which records electrical bodil resistance in
terms of ohms (the lowest current ever recorded).
The GSR reflected emotonal changes in person’s skin resistance through
electricity.
2. STICKER – 1897
 He made the first suggestion for using galvanograph for detecting deception base on the
works of several predecessors.
 He theorized that galvanic skin reflex is influence by existing mental impression and that
will had no effect upon it.
 First Inventor of Polygraph Machine.
 He invented the first lie detector using Electro dermal response.
3. VERGUTH – 1926
 He was the first who used the term psycho-galvanic reflex.
 He believed that electrical phenomena are due to the activity of sweat glands.
3. RICHARD O. ARTHUR
 The person who developed a polygraph machine with two galvanic skin resistance.
4. FERE – (1888)
 French Scientist
 Discovered that electro dermal response is caused by an increase in the action of the heart
and vital energy converted with human emotions.
 He asserted that human body has the ability to generate store, discharged high voltage of
static electricity.
5. D’ARSONVAL
 French Scientist
 Declared that electricity is generated by the body and named External Friction as source
of generation.
 He assorted those sweat glands which the body at times store the electricity and at other
times discharged them.
6. PAUL WILHELM AND DONALD BURNS (1951)

 Michigan City, Indiana, USA, (Independent Lie Detector Specialists)
 Invented an Electronic Psychometric using Electrodermal Response as a basis for lie
detection.
 Both have proven that results of lie detection test (during) using their instrumental 95%
accurate.
C. THE DEVELOPMENT OF PNEUMOGRAPH COMPONENT
1. VITTORIO BENUSSI – 1914

 Successfully detected deception with a pneumograph, an instrument that
graphically measures an examinee’s inhalation and exhalation
 He noted changes in respiration ratio during deception.
 He demonstrated that changes in breathing patterns accompany deception. He
recorded respiratory course with the pneumograph component.
2. HAROLD E. BURTT – 1918

 He determine the respiratory changes was indication of deception
 He found that changes in systolic blood pressure were of greater value in
determining deception than in changes respiration.
D. THE DEVELOPMENT OF KYMOGRAPH
1. LEONARDE KEELER
 Developed the kymograph machine and the Keeler’s Polygraph in the year 1926 as
one of the great advancement to the development of the polygraph machine.
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E. THE DEVELOPMENT OF QUESTIONING TECHNIQUE
1. LEONARD KEELER – 1942

 Developed the “Relevant-Irrelevant” (I/R)Test.
 He also added the “personally embarrassing question” (EPQ) to his I/R technique,
designed to elicit a reaction only from the innocent subject. EPQ ceased in 1951.
 He included the un-reviewed question or “surprise question” that serves the same
purpose as the EPQ.
 He was also credited with introducing the “card test” and specialized in “peak of
tension test”.
2. JOHN E. REID - 1950

 He developed the Control Question Test consisting of known lie incorporated into
I/R test.
 He also discovered the “guilt-complex test” administered to the overly responsive
subject.
3. CLEVE BACKSTER – 1960

 He conceived the psychological set theory that forms the basis of his zone of
comparison technique that provides constant monitoring of the subject’s reactivity
and designed to disclose outside issue. This is known as the “Backster Zone
Comparison Test” technique.
F. OTHERS PIONEERS IN THE FIELD OF DECEPTION DETECTION:
1. MUNSTERBURG (1908)
 Proposed that lie test based on lie detector should be admissible as evidence in court.
 The detection is based on using blood pressure variations for deception detection.
 He advocates the used of lie detection in court.
 But it was not known if the same was followed.
2. LEONARD KEELER – 1926
 He devised metal recording bellows
 Rolled chart paper
 Incorporated galvanograph with the measurement of blood pressure and respiration
 Method of question
 Kymograph
3. DARROW (1930)
 Devised a research photo polygraph which records several responses simultaneously,
which are;
A. Electro dermal response (skin)
B. Blood pressure
C. Heart Beat Frequency
D. Tine between verbal stimuli and verbal response.
E. Signal Marks
F. Involuntary tremors of one hand
G. Breathing amplitude and frequency
H. Voluntary movement of the hand.
 This method did not however last long.
4. JOHN E. REID - 1945

 Devised an instrument for recording muscular activity.
 The recording made simultaneously with blood pressure pulse respiration tracings,
renders much more accurate any diagnosis based upon these later phenomena.
5. SIR JAMES MACKENZLE

 Generally overlooked in that history of the lie detector technique is the fact that so called
polygraph was in existence at least as early as 1906.
 Its invention, however as not for lie detection purposes, rather for the use in medical
examination.
 Nevertheless, it did contain the essential features of present day instrument and first
construction was based upon the same principle.
 Its inventor was Sir James Mackenzle, the famous English Heart Specialist which an
articles entitled “The Ink Polygraph” which appeared in 1908 number of the English
Journal.
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 HE IS THE FIRST PERSON WHO UTILIZED THE WORD POLYGRAPH.
6. ERASISTRATUS
 Greek Physician (300B.C.)
 Had successfully noted the frequency of heartbeat, upon application of some stimuli
related to the question at hand.
7. GALILEO (1581)
 Devised a gadget called “Pulsilogium”
 Instrument used to measure heartbeat frequency.
 He did not use this device for lie detection purposes.
8. FRANCIS GALTON – 1879

 He developed the much acclaimed psychological test known as the Word Association
Test
9. ALLEN BELL – 1972

 He was an American inventor who developed device called Psychological Stress
Evaluator (PSE) – an instrument that detects slight trembling in the voice to determine
if the person is lying.
10. ANTON MESMER

 He introduced HYPNOTISM as a method of detecting deception.
11. DR. EDWARD MANDELL HOUSE

 He introduced the use of TRUTH-SERUM in detecting deception
12. THOMAS JEFFERSON

 FIRST MAN TO USED THE WORD “POLYGRAPH”
SIGNIFICANT DATES & PLACES
 1937 – Japan’s 1st reported use of psychophysiological detection of deception.
 1945 – polygraph was first introduced in the Philippines at the Crime Laboratory of the
military police.
- They sent MR. Jose Navarro and MR. Conrado Dumlao to the U.S. For
polygraph training.
 1950 – NBI sent MR. Agustin Patricio to train at the Keeler Polygraph Institute.
 1992 - computer age for polygraphy
METHODS OF DECEPTION DETECTION
A. Early/ Ancient Method of Detecting Deception
Historically, early human beings have their own way of determining lying or guilt on the part
of the accused and accuser. Their common method is thru the application of “ORDEAL.”
TRIAL BY ORDEAL
involves the practice of settling disputes using divine intervention or God’s judgment.
ORDEAL defined:
 A severe test of character or endurance; a trying course of experience.
 A medieval form of judicial trial in which the accused was subjected to physical tests, as
carrying or walking over burning objects or immersing the hand in scalding water, the
result being considered a divine judgment of guilt or innocence.
Ordeal
 Is a term of varying meaning closely related in the Medieval Latin “Dei Indicum”
meaning “Miraculous decision.”
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 Ancient method of trial in which the accused was exposed to physical danger which was
supposed to be harmless if he was innocent.
TRIAL BY ORDEAL
AYUR-VEDA
o “Hindu book of health and science” The earliest known reference of the methods for
detecting deception.
o Come before lie detection (seen through outside manifestation)
o Basis of the invention of polygraph machine.
o Traditional way not scientific.
KINDS OF ORDEAL:
1. Red hot iron ordeal

 Practiced on the hill tribe of Rajhmal in the North Bengal
 Accused placed his tongue to a red hot iron nine times (9) unless burned sooner.
 If burned, he is put to death.
 Not only that (licking the iron), he is also made to carry the metal into his hands while he
walked nine marked paces. If no burns are appearing on his hands, he is innocent.
Otherwise he is guilty and promptly hanged.
 It is doubtful whether the ordeal is meant to determined the physiological changes
occurring in description for if this so, many false observations must have been made.
2. Ordeal by balance
 Practiced in the Institute of Vishnu, India.
 Scale of balanced is used.
 In one end of the scale, the accused is placed in the other end, a counter balance.
 The person will step out of the scale listened to a judge deliver an extortion is the balance
and her back in. If he were found to be lighter than before then he should be acquitted.
3. Boiling water ordeal

 Used in modern Africa.
 It consist of lifting a stone out of a boiling water, with the hand inserted as deep as the
wrist. The burn was bandaged for three days before fateful examination.
4. Ordeal by rice chewing

 Practiced by Indians
 It is formed with a kind of rice called sathee, prepared with various incantations.
 The accused will be given a concentrated rice grains and he will told chew and swallow
the said rice. If the accused not able to swallow a single grain he will be judged guilty
and this by their belief that no person able to swallow the gift of God.
5. Ordeal of the red water

 Used in a wide region of Eastern Africa.
 The ordeal of the “sassy bark” or red water is used.
 The accused is made to fast for twelve hours.
 Then swallow a small amount of rice.
 Then he will be imbibed in dark colored water.
 This water is actually an emetic and if the suspects ejects all the rice, he is considered
innocent of the charge, Otherwise, the accused is guilty.
6. Trial by Combat
 A fight between the accuser and the accused, whoever lost the battle will be the adjudged
guilty.
 The victor is said to win not by his own strength but because of his super natural power
given by God.
 Originated from India and one of the examples of this: a rich man or accuser could hire
somebody or bigger one to fight the accused. After the fight the loser is adjudged guilty
of crime.
 This type of ordeal is vividly dramatized in the movie “Ivanhoe” based on the
novel of the same title (became the only legal ordeal)
 Practiced in England, time of “King Henry III”.
8. Water Test Ordeal

 Staying in the water for several “suns” and “moons”
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 The basis: Fear reaction wears down the body resistance due to nervousness and guilt
therefore is noted.
9. Ordeal of Ingestion
 An accused was to be given dry bread and cheese blessed by a priest. If he is choked on
the food, he was considered guilty.
10. Trial of the Eucharist

 If the accused is innocent, when given a poisonous drink for him to take in, Angel
Gabriel will descend from heaven to prevent the accused from drinking the poisonous
drink.
 Practiced in European countries.
11. Ordeal of the Bier

 It is belief that a dead victim could point out the killer.
 The accused will approach the bier where the corpse lay. If the murderer is just near, the
wound of the victim will began to bleed again.
 Practiced in Australian and European Countries.
12. Ordeal by heat and fire

 The accused was compelled to walk bare footed through a fire; if he remains unhurt then
he is innocent.
 Practiced in a. East Germany - b. Early Scandinavian Countries - c. Early England
13. Ordeal of Boiling Oil or Water

 The accused was forced to dip his hands into the boiling water or oil and ask to pick up
stone in it.
 If he remains unhurt then he is innocent.
 Practiced in Asian Countries.
14. Ordeal of Needle

 Red hot needle was drawn through the lips of the accused, if innocent; no blood will be
seen flowing out.
 Practiced in Wanaka, East Africa.
15. Ordeal of the Tiger

 Accuser and accused were placed together in the same and a tiger set loose upon them.
 The accused and the accuser are placed on a cage. If the tiger spare one of them he is
considered innocent
 If both were spared, further elimination followed.
 With such means of redress, there were probably not very many plaintiffs.
 Practical in Siam.
16. Test of the Cross ordeal

 The accuser and accused each were made to stand with arms crossed on their breasts.
 The one who endured the longest was deemed to have told the truth, the other, is the liar.
 Practiced in Europe.
17. Donkey’s Tail Ordeal (Sacred Ass Ordeal)

 the donkey placed in one room alone and observed it, and if the donkey cried is a
judged of guilty of crimes, because of the guiding principle that innocent person always
protected by his guardian angel.
18. The Smell-Out Technique

 An African method of “smelling out” of foul odors
 the basis: sweating causes body odor and guilt is determined when foul odor is exhibited
due to extreme fear and nervousness.
OTHER COUNTRIES WHICH PRACTICED ORDEALS:
a. Burma
 The accuser and accused were given each identical candle and both were lightened at the
same time.
 the owner of the candle that outlasts the other is adjudged to win his cause.
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b. Borneo
 The accuser and accused were presented by shell fish placed on a plate.
 An irritating fluid was then poured on the shell fish and the litigant whose shell fish
moved first was adjudged the winner.
c. Greece
 A suspended axe was spun at the center of a group of suspects.
 When the axe stopped, whoever was in line with the blade as supposed to be guilty as
pointed out by the divine providence.
d. Madagascar
 The supposed criminal was to drink, a poisonous fruit called “tangena”, a small dose can
be fatal. By managing the size of the dose, those who administer it can decide result.
e. Nigeria
 The priest greased a clock’s feather and pierced the tongue of the accused. If the feather
passed through the tongue easily, the accused was deemed innocent.
 If not, the accused is guilty.
 Another Method (same country)
 Pour corrosive liquid into the eyes of the accused who was supposed to remain unharmed
if innocent.
 Pour boiling oil over the hand of the accused with the usual requisites for guilt or
innocence (if remain unharmed, he is innocent).
f. Europe and Early United States (17th Century)

 Trial by water was commonly used on those accused of witchcraft.
 The accused was bound (hand and foot) and then cast into the body of water.
 If the accused sank, he was hauled to the surface half-drowned and deemed innocent.
 If he floated, he was deemed guilty and burned to death.
g. The “Hereditary Sieve” Method

 It is mentioned by Hans Gross his famous books in Criminal Investigation in which beans
were thrown into a sieve (bigao) as the name of each suspect was called.
 If the beans jump out of the sieve, the owner of the name is innocent.
 If the beans remain in the sieve, the person named is the thief.
h. West Africa
 People suspected of a crime passed a bird's egg to one another. Whoever broke the egg
was accused of the crime, believing that their nervousness caused them to drop the egg.
B. The Observation Methods:
1. Through Facial Expressions, such as:

a. Blushing, paling, or profuse sweating of forehead;
b. Dilation of the eyes, protrusion of eyeballs, and elevation of upper eyelids;
c. Squinting of the eyes (showing envy, disdain, distrust, etc.);
d. Twitching of the lips;
e. Excessive winking of eyes;
f. Failure to look the inquirer “straight into the eye”;
g. Excessive activity of the Adam’s apple and the vein at the temple due to
dryness of throat and mouth;
h. Quivering of Nose or Nostrils;
i. A peculiar monotone of the voice;
j. A forced laugh;
k. Rolling of eyeballs from one direction to another;
2. Through Postural Reactions, such as:

a. Fidgeting, tapping, or drumming of fingers on the chair or other surfaces;
b. Swinging of legs, or of one leg over the other;
c. Unnecessary movements of hands and feet (like scratching, nail-biting,
thumb- or finger-sucking, etc.);
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d. Pulsation of the carotid artery in the neck;

e. Incoherence, trembling and sweating of the whole body;
3. Through Cause-And-Effect Process, such as:

a. Stimulus-Reaction test;
b. Stimulus-Response test;
C. Regular Police Methods:
This method sought to answer the legal investigation processes to the following:
1. The “Five Wives & One Husband” (or the “5 W’s & 1 H”) which stand for –
What? Who? When? Where? Why? and How?
2. The “Three Eyes” (or “3 I’s”) which stand for –

a. Information Gathering, through Records check, Surveillance, Background
Investigation, and Intelligence check;
b. Investigation, through Interview & Interrogation, and through Confession &
Admission;
c. Instrumentation (or Criminalistics or Police Sciences), through the different
investigative (or forensic) sciences, such as:
c.1. Medico-Legal or Forensic Medicine
c.2. Forensic Chemistry & Toxicology
c.3. Forensic (or Police, or Investigative) Photography
c.4. Forensic Ballistics (or Firearms Identification)
c.5. Questioned Document Examination
c.6. Dactyloscopy (or Forensic Fingerprinting)
c.7. Police (or Investigative) Communication
c.8. Polygraphy (Lie-Detection Test or Deceptography)
(NOTE: Determine the difference between Interview and Interrogation), thus:
INTERVIEW INTERROGATION
Nature is voluntary 1. Process is compulsory
1. Witness may or may not answer 2. Suspect should answer the questions
questions 3. Technique: Questions should be
2. Mode: Merely asking of questions propounded to the Suspect.
3. Answers or statements may be 4. Answers are very important either as
necessary to the case, or not
4. Answers are very important either as 5. Subjects are always the Suspects
the case, or not
5. Subjects are often victims or
witnesses
(NOTE: Determine the difference between Admission and Confession), thus:

ADMISSION CONFESSION
It is a self-incriminatory statement of facts by It is a declaration of facts directly
the accused, that does not directly acknowledging the truth of the guilt as
acknowledge the offense committed, with charged, or of some essential part of the
which he is being charged commission of the criminal act itself
D. Hypnotism Method:
FRANZ (FRIEDRICH) ANTON MESMER (1734-1815), an Austrian Mystic and

Physician; born on May 23, 1734 at Iznang, a village near Lake Constance, Austria, was the
first to introduce hypnotism as a method of deception detection in 1778. He believed in
animal magnetism, by which his own personal electro-magnetism for therapeutic effect
influenced other persons. Actually, these effects he produced were attributed to the state of
mind of the Subject whereby he is induce, and thereby instructed to sit quietly and gaze at a
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flashing light or shiny object dangled before his eyes, and to cooperate with whatever the
hypnotist would like him to do. In this case, conscious cooperation by the Subject is a must.
The basis of hypnotism is through the recovered memory by the use of increased
dissociated functions, hyper-amnesia, and at times regressive and para-regressive
experiences. The Subject, who is not actually asleep, but at complete comfortable state of
relaxation and that he would be doing whatever the hypnotist may tell him to do.
 HYPNOSIS - Is a technique of inducing a person into a state of consciousness whereby

he can respond to questions and is very susceptible consciousness and heightened
responsiveness to suggestions can be used to illicit truth from a person.
Reason why hypnosis is not admissible as evidence:

1. It lacks the general scientific acceptance.
2. A hypnotized person can still fabricate lies.
3. If a person is hypnotized, he must likely distort facts thus complicating truth.
4. A person who is practicing hypnosis is very subjective to permit admissibility of his
“expert testimony” in court.
E. Word-Association Test Method:
Here is another method of deception detection, which was introduced in 1879 by Sir
FRANCIS GALTON (1822-1911), an English Scientist Explorer and Anthropometrist,, born
on Feb. 16, 1822 at Sparkbrook, Birmingham, London, and the cousin of the famous Charles
Darwin. Later on, Dr. CARL GUSTAV JUNG (1875-1961), A Swiss Psychologist,
Psychiatrist, and Founder of the Analytical Psychology (born on July 26, 1875 at Basel,
Zwitzerland) developed Galton’s works and experiments.
Accordingly, this process is being done by giving the Subject a long list of carefully
selected stimulus words or objects with other pictures interspersed with other irrelevant
words, objects or pictures with the instructions to respond with the very first word that may
come to Subject’s mind.
Dr. Jung was able to observe how the thinking reactions were linked into the emo-
tional habit of his Subject. The theory behind this method is that, one word or idea is
reflective of another word or idea and the expression of their association forms a meaningful
picture.
F. Truth-Serum Test & Intoxication Method:
The so-called “Truth-Serum” Test was a method introduced by Dr. EDWARD

MANDEL HOUSE (1858-1938), a U.S. Physicist and Diplomat, serving as Confidential Adviser
to former U.S. Pres. Woodrow Wilson, (born on July 26, 1858 at Ferris, Texas, USA). This
method involved the intravenous injection or oral-taking of various drugs, such as hyocine
bromide, morphine, ether, chloroform, sodium amytal and scopolamine, which may produce a
condition of anesthesia. There must be an immediate need for a physician to be present during
the test so that the application of these drugs be properly determined and supervised to produce
required results.
Accordingly, this method is based on the theory, that intervention through interro-
gation, is made possible after the dosage of any of these drugs has been appropriately
administered, which depresses the cerebral activity to a point of unconsciousness, an influence
called as the “House Receptive Stage” or the “Twilight Zone”. The objective of the test is to
extract from the subconscious mind, as the Subject himself is “half-asleep”, the stored contents of
the mind called “Memory”. It has been said, that if correct dosage is administered and the
expected influence resulted, the Subject will answer by experiencing temporary removal of his
will-power, self-preservation instinct and the reasoning power. He may disclose everything
without evasiveness.
Of all the deception detection methods, the “Truth-Serum” test is considered most
favorably effective if all the conditions proper to the conduct of the test must be observed.
However, its effectiveness is upset by several objections raised as to its application. These
objections are as follows:
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1. Was the test performed by a skilled operator, technician, or physician?

2. Was the dosage of the drugs administered necessary to produce desires results?
3. Was there an appropriate amount of time consumed in the test?
4. Was there certainty of results to determine truth from deception?
Statements taken from the Subject through this process is not admissible as evidence
in court because its very nature is involuntary, but its application to criminal investigation is
rather very useful due to its psychological effect, before, during and even after. Just as well, a
person not knowing the fallacies of the test may even, before the test, tell the factual truth to
avoid pain of needles and brain destruction.
Intoxication: This method employs alcoholic beverages as stimuli to obtain truth. The person
or Subject whose statement is to be taken is allowed to take alcoholic beverages to intoxication
level or point. When under the influence of alcohol, the power to control the body is diminished
and the investigator begins propounding questions.
Interrogation must be made only during the excitatory effect of the alcohol. During
this stage, therein noted is the sensation of well-being and actions. Speech and emotions are less
strained due to the lowering of the inhibition normally exercised by the higher brain centers.
There is eventually lack of self-control. When the Subject is already in the depressive state due
to excess of alcohol intake, he will not be able to answer questions anymore, and perhaps he
would fell asleep.
Confession made by a Subject while intoxicated is admissible if he is physically able

to recollect the facts and state them truly and exactly, even after the influence or the “spirit of
alcohol” has disappeared. But in most instances, the Subject cannot recall his utterances or
usually refuses to admit the truth of the statement given.
G. PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS EVALUATOR (PSE)

 The VOICE of the subject is graphed and recorded. In an inaudible wavelength. When
the person is telling a lie, the inaudible wavelength will tend to disappear.
 AKA “Voice Stress Analysis”
H. The Polygraph Test Technique:
This method is based on the theory that, once a lie has been made, or that an emotion-
evoking stimulus (question) has been given, a conscious mental effort on the part of a normally
conditioned person will cause physical and physiological changes in the body. These changes
likewise are capable of being recorded, diagnosed and interpreted in the recording instrument
called the “Polygraph”, “Deceptograph”, or “Pneumo-Galvo-Sphygmo-Cardio-Graph”.
In this method, the Subject is comfortably seated on a chair, and then the blood-
pressure cuff, the pneumograph tubes and the finger electrodes are attached unto his body. With
the instrument set in motion, bodily changes or responses, such as Respiration, Blood-pressure/
pulse rates and the electrical properties of the skin or the galvanic-skin-reflex (GSR) are recorded
by the instrument. The Subject is instructed to remain quite, obey directions and answer all
questions truthfully by either “Yes” or “No”!
Test questions propounded to the Subject are to be formulated by the Examiner,

which are relatively important to the case under investigation. They have to be formulated in
such a way that they should give corresponding emotional responses that maybe readily recorded
on the polygraph charts or graphs. Then afterwards, the chart test results shall be studied, read or
interpreted by the Examiner to determine whether or not his Subject lied!
If in case the Subject is found to have lied to all, if not some, of the questions, he has
to be confronted. A re-run of questioning by inter-changing series of questions previously asked
must be made to check or counter-check specific responses recorded. If subject lied to a
particular question, any admission or confession to that effect should be given due consideration
and must be put in writing, subject to further investigation by the Polygraph Examiner himself or
the police Investigator assigned on case.
Should Subject be found telling the truth, otherwise, the Examiner must submit
official report to the requesting party.
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In a way, the lie-detector test plays an important role in Criminal Investigation, as it

helps Police Officers, Investigators or Detectives determined their Subjects integrity, honesty,
and sincerity. Lastly, investigative leads are often the results of this type of tests.
What are the basic principles of polygraphy?
 When a person is lying (or deceptive), he has fear that his lies will be detected thus, he
becomes anxious or uneasy. This psychological stress activates his “flight or fight”
mechanism causing changes in the normal functioning of his physical body.
 While lying or attempting to conceal the truth, one might feel a sudden increase of
heartbeat, a rush of blood to the face, an irrepressible impulse to swallow, or other
symptoms caused by his FEAR over the possibility that the lie will be detected.
 Physiological changes such as intensified breathing, sudden increase of blood pressure,

increased pulse rate, and change in galvanic skin reflex are the analytical basis of the
polygraph examiner in determining the veracity of a subject’s statements.
***It must be recognized that there is NO such thing as an instrument that will
detect lies. The popular name, Lie Detector, given to a collection of certain
medical instruments, is somewhat misleading. No collection of inanimate objects
including the very finest and complicated modern computers, can detect lies on
the part of any human being.
Objective of a polygraph examination.
a) Obtain additional investigation leads to the facts of the case/offenses.

b) Ascertain if a person is telling the truth
c) Locate the fruits or tools of the crime or whereabouts of wanted persons.
d) Identify other persons involved.
e) Obtain valuable information form reluctant witnesses
f) Eliminate the innocent suspects.
Principal uses of the polygraph
a) Aid in investigation
b) Speeds up processing of investigation
c) Eliminates innocent suspects
d) Pre-employment screening
e) Honesty test (Periodic test)
General situations that may require polygraph examination are:

1. Criminal/Police investigation
2. Pre-employment screening
3. Internal-affairs investigations of law enforcement agencies
4. Civil litigation
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF LYING
Remember that lying person fears detection and possible ostracism by the offended
community. He may feel that once detection, he could not but accept the bitter results of being
penalized, thus placing his whole life at stake.
Since fear reaction carries emotional responses due to detection, he may now exhibit external and
internal physical and physiological changes within him, such that these changes occur beyond his
defensive power to control or repress them. These changes, on the other hand, are recorded by the
polygraph instrument and diagnosed by the Examiner.
But what is always driving a person to lie? What is behind all these?
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The answer is the PSYCHOLOGY of a LYING PERSON. A person’s fears,, anxieties

and apprehensions are channeled toward the situation that evoke his instinct of self-preservation
to struggle out from the consequences of the wrong he has already done. He may, once and for
all, “grind-the axe” of his self-defense mechanism come what may through lies, alibis and
excuses. His conscience is bothered so much on how to hide everything beyond his own senses.
And his will power and emotions are perplexed and varied.
In polygraphy, the psychological approach to all these lies or similar situations are
governed by the different types of test and control questions prepared and formulated by the
Examiner. The test contains relevant questions which are designed to pose a threat to the security
of the guilty (or lying) Subject, and control questions designed to pose a threat to the security of
the innocent (or truthful) Subject. The equally truthful Subject, though accused, is assured of the
reactions he may exhibit during the whole polygraph examination by the carefully formulated
questions.
Other factors psychologically taken into consideration are Subject’s basic emotionality
and intensity of the offense. Normally, the innocent Subject’s reaction potential is lower than that
of the guilty Subject. A temporary heightening of his emotional state when the examination began
registers this. Then such reaction decreases as the test itself progresses.
In understanding more of the psychologically of lying, we are tempted to include the
study of the different kinds of LIES, which are as follows:
WHY DO WE LIE?
1. We want to anticipate pleasure and avoid pain.
2. For the purpose of self interest and self promotion.
3. Ensure privacy
4. To cover our own embarrassment.
5. To gain profit and advantage.
6. To protect others.
Mythomania - It is the condition where there is an excessive or abnormal

propensity for lying and exaggerating.
KINDS OF LIES
1. White Lie Or Benign Lie
 This is the kind of lie, the most common of all, which is intended to protect or
maintain of friendship, at home, in the office or elsewhere.
 AKA “benign lie, honest lie or harmless lie”
 It is intended not to harm others but told in order to avoid distress or
embarrassment.
Example: Peter’s Denial: The distorted formulation of rules and regulations in

some companies in order to protect and secure own products from any outside
competing forces.
2. Pathological Lie
 This is a lie made by persons who cannot distinguish right from wrong. It must
by said that those persons are mentally sick, or of low mental caliber. In
Polygraphy, impairment of the mind must be established first before conducting
any lie-detector test; otherwise the whole test will be useless. Pathological liars
are among those classified as Barriers and Obstacles to Lie-Detection with the
aid of the Polygraph.
3. Red Lie
 also called POLITICS PROPAGANDA.
 It is intended to destroy a political belief or ideology.
 This involves political interests and motives because this is part of Communist
propaganda strategy. This lie is prevalent in communist countries or communist-
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infested nations. Lies of this sort purport to destroy other ideologies by means of
propaganda-brain-washing and black-mail via espionage and treason.
5. Black Lie
 A lie which accompanies pretensions and hypocrisies, intriguing to cause
dishonor or discredit one’s good image. (An example is the person who always
pretends what he thinks of himself, what kind of person he is, and what he is
doing.)
6. Malicious or Judicious Lie
 This is a very pure and unjustifiable kind of lie. This is intended purely to
mislead justice. The probable result would be “PERJURY” and pure dishonesty
to obstruct justice! Some liar lawyers and false witnesses fall under this
category.
6. Direct Denial
 It simply denying the allegations being thrown to the subject. It is manifested by
the response “I DID NOT DO IT”
7. Lie Of Omission
 The act of telling what transpired but omitting details that are incriminating
8. Lie Of Exagerration
 Used by a person who overplays what actually happens. This could be in form
of a testimony where details are added to intensify the impact of the story.
9. Lie Of Minimization
 It involves the acceptance of the person that something happen but downplays
the implication of seriousness of the offense.
10. Fabricated Lie

 This is the most difficult to use.
 This involves the act of creating a story or series of events that never
transpired.
11. Compulsive Lie

 These are made by people who are being compelled to tell lie.
TYPES OF LIAR:
A. PANIC LIAR
 It is one who lies in order to avoid the consequences of a confession
 He/She is afraid of embarrassment to love ones and it is a serious blow to his / her ego.
 He/She believes that confession will just male the matter worst.
 this is a person who panics when questioned about his involvement concerning a
crime but immediately denies the truth to avoid shame or humiliation that it might
cause to his family.
B. OCCUPATIONAL LIAR
 this is an individual whose job is to tell lie and deceive other people.
 One who is being paid to tell lies.
 He is practical liar- he will tell lie if doing it provides a higher pay-off than telling the
truth
C. TOURNAMENT LIAR
 Loves to lie and is excited by the challenge of not being detected.
 This person views an interview as another contest and wants to win.
 is a person who uses the act of lying to test his ability and prove to him self that he is
capable of deceiving the police or authorities.
 His view is that telling lies is one form of contest.
 This person realizes that he or she will probably be convicted bur will not give anyone
the satisfaction of hearing him or her confesses.
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 He wants that people will believe that the law is punishing an innocent person.
D. PSYCHOPATHIC LIAR
 The most difficult type.
 This person has no conscience. He shows no regret for dishonestly and no manifestation
of guilt.
 thus, capable of lying to the point of causing death to other people.
E. ETHNOLOGICAL LIAR
 Is one who is taught not to be a squealer.
*squealer – to cry or to shrill voiceis a person trained to lie.
 Used by underworld gang in order for their member not to reveal any secret of their
organization.
 is a person trained to lie.
F. PATHOLOGICAL LIAR
 A person who cannot distinguish right from wrong (his mind is sick.)
 Is an insane person.
G. BLACK LIAR
 A person who always pretends.
 better known as hypocrite
 (What he thinks of himself, what kind of person he is, and what he is.)
SOME SIGNS OF LIES AND DECEPTIONS

Generally, when a person becomes defensive due to fear of detection, one can point out
that any of the signs herein enumerated indicates lies, guilt or deception, such as:
1. Stammering
2. Swearing to or before God that he did not commit the crime
3. Pointing his guilt to somebody else
4. Subject refuses to answer questions through alibis and excuses
5. He is all the time absent-minded
6. He is always requesting for repetition of questions
7. He often asks counter-questions and counter-queries
8. He often asks permission to go to the comfort-rooms, etc.
 VERBAL CLUES to deception include the words that are spoken, speed of delivery of
the words, tone of voice and the tense of language.
 NON- VERBAL CLUES encompasses patterns in the body movements, gesture, facial
expression, body posture, positioning and movement used to explain chosen words.
The following are VERBAL CLUES OF LYING.

 Methods of responding the question.
 Length of time before giving response.
 Repeatation of question
 Fragmented or incomplete sentences
 Being overly polite
 Oaths
 Broaden their answer
 Methods of responding the question.
 Length of time before giving response.
 Repeatation of question
 Fragmented or incomplete sentences
 Being overly polite
 Oaths
 Broaden their answer
The following are NON-VERBAL CLUES OF LYING.
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 EMBLEMS –expression made by the body. i.e. shaking or nodding of the head,
shrugging of the shoulders, thumbs up sign.
 MANIPULATORS – usual behavior of touching one’s self. i.e. grooming the hair,
wringing the hands, picking imaginary fur from cloth, using props like pen and cigarette.
 BREATHING – liars hyperventilate.
 SWEATING
 FREQUENT SWALLOWING
 MOVEMENT OF FACIAL MUSCLES
 EYES
 BLUSHING OR REDDENING OF THE FACE
UNDERSTANDING SUBJECT’S AGE CHARACTERISTICS

To further enhance the study of the psychology of the lying person, it is also necessary to
understand Subject’s age characteristics, which are as follows:
 7 to 12 years .......... Fantastic Subject.
 13 to 19 years .......... Distinction of fantasy and reality. At this level, the Subject is at
the age of limitation and idolatry. His/her ego may start to develop.
 20 to 25 years .......... His/her ego begins to lessen because he/she thinks he/she is not
important person. Subjects like him are idealistic and be-principled. They become
responsible and sometimes conscious of their neighbors. The girls may begin to
marry at this age, and they become sociable. The degree of their exposure to society
depends on how they were brought up socially, morally and spiritually, including
family, friend and other individual influences.
 26 to 60 years .......... They serve as best witnesses. They often possess materialism,
maturity and responsibility. Intellect is fully developed and intelligence is well
coordinated with memory.
 61 to Death ............ Their memories are fading because some of their senses are defective.
They are no longer good witnesses. The need perspective because they may start to
act like children (senility). They are irritable and sensitive.
a) THEORY OF LIE DETECTION
i) It must be recognized that there is NO such thing as an instrument that will

detect lies. The popular name, Lie Detector, given to a collection of certain
medical instruments, is somewhat misleading. No collection of inanimate
objects including the very finest and complicated modern computers, can
detect lies on the part of any human being.
ii) The students can understandably ask, “Well, what does this do called “lie
detector” do?” The answer to that question is that the lie detector records
certain physiological activities of the body. These activities are constantly in
operation as long as the person is alive. The student should be aware that the
most common lie detectors record a breathing pattern of inspiration and
expiration, a continuous pattern of relative blood pressure and pulse rate, and
a pattern of electro dermal activity.
iii) It is well known that the body adapts itself as efficiently as possible to its
environment. If the environment changes, the body will rapidly adjust itself
to these changes. This is done by a complicated system of internal checks
and balance primarily involving the autonomic nervous system. This ability
to adjust is necessary if the organism if the organism or body is to survive in
a constantly changing world. Those organisms that cannot adjust rapidly die
out.
b) RECENT DEVELOPMENT IN LIE DETECTION

INSTRUMENTATION
i) Since Mr. Trovillo’s article was written, there have been no great changes in
lie detector instrumentation.
SY 2017–2018 17
ii) The consensus among lie detector operators is that present instrumentation is
adequate and any changes due must come in techniques of question
formulation and chart interpretation
iii) Most people have tendency to relate lie detection strictly to police activities.
It is true that the police application have received the most publicity and the
results obtained have been most spectacular, however, it should be noted that
lie detectors are used by many modern hospitals abroad to aid in the study of
mental conditions and emotionality.
iv) The most common of lie detection is in the field of business. Approximately
80% of lie detector examinations being conducted in the United States today
are related to the field of personal employment screening (job seekers), and
employee screening.
v) Obviously employers are interested in reducing their insidious drain of
company’s funds and inventory due to employees stealing of cash and
property. The lie detector is being used to reduce this drain by periodically
screening employees. In other words, helping honest people to stay honest.
vi) As a rule, the results of a lie detector test are inadmissible as evidence.
However, if a lie detector subject confesses to the examiner during
examination, this confession can be admitted in court subject to the
provisions of the rules of evidence.
vii) Reasons why the results of a lie detector test are inadmissible as evidence:
(a) Not standardized as to the qualifications of the examiner;
(b) Not standardized as to the test procedure; and
(c) Not standardized as to instrumentation.
1. Concepts of Polygraph Examination.
a) Used to test an individual for the purpose of detecting deception or verify the truth of
statement
b) Records identifiable physiological reactions of the subject, such as; blood pressure, pulse
rate, respiration and skin resistance.
c) The effectiveness of the polygraph in recording symptoms of deceptions is based on the
theory that a conscious mental effort on the part of a normal person to deceive causes
involuntary physiological changes that are in effect a body’s reaction to an imminent
danger to its well being.
INSTRUMENT AND EQUIPMENT USED FOR DIAGNOSING TRUTH AND

DECEPTION
1) THE LARSON POLYGRAPH
a) This is the first assemblage of apparatus and some of his co-workers in the Berkeley
Police Department.
b) A strip of paper on which the tracings are recorded is mounted on two drums, which are
turned by a spring mechanism known as a kymograph.
c) The paper is smoked to reduce the friction of the styluses or recording levers which are
actuated by Marey Tambours.
d) A manometer is placed on the right shoulder of the subject, the function of whish is to
indicate the pressure in the bag, the pressure bag, encased in a leather cuff, is strapped
pneumograph is strapped around the chest to record respiration. This type of
pneumograph or respiration applicator is sill being used in some of the modern
instruments.
e) In a later model developed by Larson, a Jaquet polygraph replaced the kymograph and
smoked paper, and the pens moved horizontally instead of vertically as in the original
apparatus. In a further modification, metal tambour stacks were substituted for the
Erlanger capsule and rubber covered tambours.
2) THE KEELER POLYGRAPH
a) In 1925, Keeler developed a compact portal instrument using a modification of the

Erlanger pressure reducer that permitted the blood pressure changes to be recorded over a
greater range. He later make further improvement by substituting metal bellows or
diaphragm capsules in place of the Erlanger type pressure reducer.
SY 2017–2018 18
b) The instrument is housed in a steel case with wrinkle finish and chromium trim. The
cover is attached to case by means of slip hinges and can be removed when the
instrument is to be used. Opening of the cover permits hinged doors at each end of the
case to open outward for access to the chart at one end and the accessories at the other.
c) All connections to the instrument are made directly under the right end of the panel,
which include the hose connection for the cuff inflation bulb, the tube from the blood
pressure cuff, a connector for the hand electrodes of the electro dermal recording unit, an
extension cord, and a tube from the pneumograph.
d) Space is provided directly below the attachments for storage of the accessories, and they
may be stored without disconnecting the accessories form the instrument.
3) THE LEE PSYCHOGRAPH
This instrument was designed by Captain Clarence D. Lee and known as the Berkeley
Psychograph. It consists essentially of four units:
1) Chart drive or recording unit
2) Pneumograph or respiration unit
3) Cardiograph or pulse-blood pressure unit
4) Stimulus signal unit
a) All units are functionally similar to those in the Keepler Polygraph. Mechanically, the
principal difference between the two lies in the pulse-blood pressure unit. In the present
instrument, the Erlanger principle is utilized with its objectionable feature eliminated,
which is to say it will function at practically any level, there being no high or low “dead”
spots, and repairs when needed are very easily made.
TYPE OF TEST TECHNIQUES COMMONLY USED IN POLYGRAPH TEST
1) R/I THEORY
Test I – General Questions Test (1-10)

Test II – Card or Number Test (Stimulation / Psychological)
Test III – Mixed Questions Test 1 (1-3-2-5-4-6-7-8-9-10)
Test IV – Mixed Questions Test 2 (4-1-5-6-2-3-10-9-8-6-5-10)
Test V – Silent Answer Test (1-3-2-5-4-6-7-8-9-10)
2) BACKSTER ZONE COMPARISON TEST (BZCT)
Test I – ZCT without SKY (one chart)

Test II – Card or Number Test (Stimulation/Psychological)
Test III – ZCT without SKY (one chart)
Test IV – ZCT with SKY (one chart)
3) PEAK-OF-TENSION TEST
ONE TO FIVE ONE TO SEVEN ONE TO NINE

1Q – Padding 1Q – Padding 1Q – Padding
2Q – Padding 2Q – Padding 2Q – Padding
3Q – Key Q 3Q – Padding 3Q – Padding
4Q – Padding 4Q – Key Q 4Q – Padding
5Q – Padding 5Q – Padding 5Q – Key Q
6Q – Padding 6Q – Padding
7Q – Padding 7Q – Padding
8Q – Padding
9Q – Padding
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CHART MARKING
To facilitate evaluation and interpretation of test charts, markings are made with the use
of signs and symbols to enable the examiner to determine the following:
1. exact time the test commenced and terminated;

2. initial and final blood pressure and galvanograph readings;
3. particular point where each question asked started and ended. Corresponding
identification of the question, and the typeand time of answer given by the subject;
4. duration and amplitude of reaction patterns.
5. any instruction given or repetition of question made;
6. any movement, cough tracing by the suspect or outside distractions that occurred;
7. mechanical adjustment or re-adjustment made;
8. extraneous factors affecting test chart such as paper jams;
9. time interval between questions; and
10. chart number, name of subject, time, date, and place taken.
SIGNS AND SYMBOLS commonly used:
X / 60 / 1.5 A - first markings of the examiner on the chart

XX / 60 / 1.5 A - examiner’s mark after the test
X - start of the test
XX - end of the test
60 - millimeter of mercury shown in sphygmamometer dial
1.5 - ohms of skin electrical resistance
A or M - refers to automatic or manual galvo amplifier used
| | - particular point where each question begins and end (also called
stimulus mark)
+ - Yes answer to question
- - No answer to question
A - adjustment
T - subject talked instead of answering with single Yes or No
R - subject request for repetition of question
C - coughing
N - noise
S - sigh by the subject
PJ - paper jam
SN - subject sniffed
BI - breathing instruction
OS - tracing changed caused by outside stimulus
M - movement
IM - movement instruction
L - laugh
B - used to signify belch
C+ - increase in galvo sensitivity
C- - decrease in galvo sensitivity
Y - yawn
IS - ink stop
CT - clearing of throat
CHART INTERPRETATION
A. The accuracy of instrumental detection of deception is dependent upon the

examiner’s ability to diagnose truth or deception by reading and interpreting a subject’s charts.
The polygraph chart is the composite record of the pneumograph, cardiograph and
galvanograph tracing from one series of questions. The chart is ruled vertically to represent time
element at an interval of either in second, five seconds of ten seconds division and horizontally in
fractions of ¼ inch for amplitude measurements. There are three heavy spaced horizontal lines
that serve as the guideline for the 3 tracings. The motor that pills the chart under the recording
pens has a constant speed of either 6 or 12 inches per-minute. A single test may consist of three
or more charts taken from one series of questions.
B. The pnuemograph tracing normally, found at the top of the chart, is a record of a
subject’s respiratory action during the questioning process and is classified as normal or
abnormal. The pneumograph pattern consists of inhalation and exhalation strikes with a normal
amplitude of form ½ to ¾ inches. The normal cyclic rate is from 13 to 18 breaths per minute and
SY 2017–2018 20
may vary in reasons of exceptional physical build condition or respiratory defect. The
classification of abnormal is generally applied to those patterns that deviate from the norm
established by the individual.
1. Descriptive types of breathing are:

a. Normal;
b. Rapid
c. Slow
d. Shallow
e. Deep
f. Serrated inhalation / or both
g. Deviations caused by coughing and mechanics of answering
2. Pneumograph changes from the individual norm which may be considered

indicative deception are:
a. Change in rhythm or regularity
b. Change in amplitude or volume
c. Change in the inhalation / exhalation ratio
d. Notched or serrated inhalation / exhalation strokes.
e. Change of base line
f. Loss of base line
g. Hyperverventilation
h. Suppression
i. Respiratory block
C. The galvanograph tracing, normally located at the center position. If the chart,
when properly balanced takes from of as lightly wavering line across the middle portion of the
chart with a minor response to spoken stimuli. Galvanic tracings which may be indicative of
deception:
1. Vertical rise at point of deception
2. Double saddle response
3. Long duration and / or degree of response following point of deception
4. Plugging salvo tracing
D. The cardiosphygmograph tracing normally found at the bottom of the chart, is

the three physiological phenomena, a systolic stroke, a diastolic strokes and a dichotic notch.
Normal pulse rate of the average individual is 72 to 80 beats per minute and may vary due to the
emotional tone of the subject. Amplitude or volume is also subject to variation and dictated by
the physiological structure of the person and the cuff pressure. Tracing taking the form of
specific responses indicative of deception are:
1. Increase or decrease in blood pressure
2. Increase or decrease in pulse rate
3. Increase or decrease in amplitude
4. Change in position or disappearance of dichotic notch
5. Extra systoles (premature contradition of an auricle or ventricle while fundamental
rhythm of the heart is maintained)
E. In the interpretation and analysis of charts taken in a Peak of Tension Test, the
following area considered in the evaluation of the level tracings:
1. An increase or decrease to point of deception then a level tracing.
2. An increase to point of deception and the an increase
3. A decrease to point of deception and then an increase
4. Level tracing to point of deception and then a decrease or increase
5. Erratic to point of deception and then an erratic tracing
6. Smooth to point of deception and then an erratic tracing
7. Any changes that may occur at point of deception
F. Other factors; that specific response to be considered as possible deception in

chart evaluation is:
1. Distribution of reactions
2. Degree of reactions
3. Trend of gross curve
4. Rate of change of the curve
5. Latent period of reaction
6. Duration of reaction
SY 2017–2018 21
G. For an effective chart interpretation, the following rules must be followed:

1. There must be a specific response
2. To be specific, it must form a deviation from norm
3. It must appear in at least two (2) test charts
4. The best indication of deception is the simultaneous specific responses in the three (3)
tracings of the chart.
SY 2017–2018 22

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ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY – CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

POLYGRAPHY: LIE DETECTION

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF LIE DETECTION

 derived from the two Greek words:

 Literally: “many writings”

Other name of the Polygraph?

DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE

SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE

POLYGRAPH CHART/ POLYGRAM

2.) HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

“SCIENTIST WHO CONTRIBUTED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF POLYRAPH”

A. THE DEVELOPMENT OF CARDIOSPYMOGRAPH

1. ANGELO MOSSO – 1895

2. CESAR LOMBROSO – 1895

HYDROSPHYGMOGRAPH - An instrument for the purpose of detecting lie, through

 Procedure on the use of the “HYDROSPHYGMOGRAPH” in detecting deception:

**Stigmata – bodily marks like Christ wounds impressed supernaturally

3. DR. WILLIAM Moulton MARSTON – 1915

4. JOHN A. LARSON – 1921

B. THE DEVELOPMENT OF GALVANOGRAPH COMPONENT

1. LUIGI GALVANI – 1791

6. PAUL WILHELM AND DONALD BURNS (1951)

C. THE DEVELOPMENT OF PNEUMOGRAPH COMPONENT

1. VITTORIO BENUSSI – 1914

2. HAROLD E. BURTT – 1918

D. THE DEVELOPMENT OF KYMOGRAPH

E. THE DEVELOPMENT OF QUESTIONING TECHNIQUE

1. LEONARD KEELER – 1942

2. JOHN E. REID - 1950

3. CLEVE BACKSTER – 1960

F. OTHERS PIONEERS IN THE FIELD OF DECEPTION DETECTION:

4. JOHN E. REID - 1945

5. SIR JAMES MACKENZLE

 HE IS THE FIRST PERSON WHO UTILIZED THE WORD POLYGRAPH.

8. FRANCIS GALTON – 1879

9. ALLEN BELL – 1972

10. ANTON MESMER

11. DR. EDWARD MANDELL HOUSE

12. THOMAS JEFFERSON

SIGNIFICANT DATES & PLACES

 1937 – Japan’s 1st reported use of psychophysiological detection of deception.

 1992 - computer age for polygraphy

METHODS OF DECEPTION DETECTION

A. Early/ Ancient Method of Detecting Deception

1. Red hot iron ordeal

3. Boiling water ordeal

4. Ordeal by rice chewing

5. Ordeal of the red water

8. Water Test Ordeal

10. Trial of the Eucharist

11. Ordeal of the Bier

12. Ordeal by heat and fire

13. Ordeal of Boiling Oil or Water

14. Ordeal of Needle

15. Ordeal of the Tiger

16. Test of the Cross ordeal

17. Donkey’s Tail Ordeal (Sacred Ass Ordeal)

18. The Smell-Out Technique