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COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Carlos Hilado Memorial State College
Brgy. Enclaro, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental

Lie Detection Techniques

Basic Course Module in Polygraph Examination

LORIEJEN F. DEQUILATO, RCRIM., MSCJ

PURISIMA G. ROMERO, RCRIM., MSCJ
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Introduction

The basic definition of “polygraph” (or “lie detector”) is the simultaneous

recording of two or more physiological measures. It has a wide range of uses in research and
medicine, but gained widespread interest as an interrogation tool starting in 1921, when
police officer John Augustus Larson used continuous measurement of blood pressure, heart
rate, respiration, and skin conductance (a measure of sweat gland activity) to test for
deception while interrogating a San Francisco murder suspect. Since its initial debut, the
forensic polygraph has been used and adapted by countless others, and is a feature in law
enforcement procedure all in several countries. The use of psychophysiology to help solve
crime was an exciting enough concept that the word “polygraph” now primarily refers to the
use of psychophysiological measures in police interrogation.

The use of polygraphs in detecting deception is controversial, and there is no

consensus in the scientific community about the effectiveness of this technology in
identifying deceptive individuals during criminal investigations and employment screenings.
The purpose of this module is to provide students taking up the subject the basic knowledge
regarding the field of polygraphy, to be able to define the underlying principles of the
scientific and non-scientific detection of deception and on how to properly manipulate the
machine used in the conduct of the examination.

Furthermore, it is recommended to develop further research in this field, to improve

the consistency, reliability, and testability of the different types and applications of
polygraphs in different settings and situations.
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LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES

(FOR115)

LEARNING MODULE

I. TITLE. LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES

II. PREFACE.

This subject deals with the in-depth study of lie detection, its methods and
techniques.

It covers the study of the historical development of polygraphy, the principles

and theories, principal uses and the technical procedures employed for a
successful examination.

This course module also deals with the factors that contribute to the accuracy rate
of the examination, the qualifications of the polygraph examiner and how to
follow the steps in each phase of conducting the test.

Further, this paper also presents on how to properly attach, detach and identify
which specific transducer is used and what physiological response it records, the
manner of properly marking the chart of the subject and how to analyse and
present the result of the examination.

III. HOW TO USE THE MODULE

It maintains a connection between theory and practice by providing learning
activities to illustrate and test theoretical ideas that they learned from the lesson.
As you go through the different lessons in the modules, you will be able to
analyze how the different theories are translated into practice.

At the start of the module, you are to know what the learning objectives of each
lesson are. And at the end of the lesson there is a provided learning activity that
needs to be answered and submitted after the six-week carousel class. Answer it
according to your own understanding of how the macro skills in English
communication are to be taught. This module is self-instructional so you may
read, analyze concepts and ideas presented, and reflect on them.

Remember, you are to work on this module independently. I shall not be around
to supervise you as you go through each lesson. It is expected that you will make
the most of this module by doing your utmost best in answering all activities. Do
not short change yourself by asking someone to answer the activities for you. In
this time of the pandemic where face-to-face engagement with students is not
encouraged, strive your best to help yourself by constantly striving for excellence.
Good luck and keep safe.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE NUMBER

TITLE ………………………………………………………………………………

PREFACE …………………………………………………………………………

PRE TEST FOR EACH MODULE ……………………………………………

MODULE 1 ……………………………………………………………………….

MODULE 2 ……………………………………………………………………….

MODULE 3 ……………………………………………………………………….

MODULE 4 ……………………………………………………………………….

MODULE 5 ……………………………………………………………………….

MODULE 6 ……………………………………………………………………….

MODULE 7 ……………………………………………………………………….

REFERENCES …………………………………………………………………..
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PRE TEST FOR MODULE 1

I. DEFINITION OF TERMS: Define the following based on your understanding

of the term.

1. Polygraphy/Lie Detection
2. Polygraph Machine
3. Lying

Question: What ancient methods for detecting deception that you know and how are they
done?

PRE TEST FOR MODULE 2

Question: There are bodily systems involved in the study of lie detection. Can you name
1 and its parts?

PRE TEST FOR MODULE 3

Question: What factors affects the accuracy of a polygraph examination?

PRE TEST FOR MODULE 4

Question: What are the components of the polygraph machine?

What is the proper way of attaching and detaching transducers?

PRE TEST FOR MODULE 5

Question: What are the phases of the polygraph examination?

PRE TEST FOR MODULE 6

Question: How is a polygram being marked?

PRE TEST FOR MODULE 7

Question: How is a polygram analysed?

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REFERENCES:

1. Caballero N.S. and Manwong R.K. (2017). Polygraphy: The art and science of Lie Detection
2. Panganoron C., Revisa W. A.,Villaruz J. C. (2014). Polygraphy Lie Detection
3. Adra,MJ.Q. and Dr. Tancangco D. L. (2013). The Essentials of Polygraphy.
4. Cawis R. Jr. (2013). Comprehensive Law Enforcement Administration Reviewer.
5. San Diego G., Calima C.,and Manwong R.K. (2012). Compendium on Criminal Justice.
6. Dr. Domingo S. (2018). Polygraphy. The Science of Lie Detection.
7. Lotivo, R. (2021) Polygraph Techniques. A Manual in Lie Detection.

ONLINE SOURCES:

DETECTION OF DECEPTION (what-when-how.com)

faunce_2018_polygraph_articl.pdf (ymaws.com)
The Effectiveness and Future of Polygraph Testing (ebpsociety.org)
Introduction to Polygraphy - YouTube
POLYGRAPHY Lecture | Topic 9, 10 and 11: Polygraph Examination, Chart
Markings, Tracing and Reports - YouTube
Polygraph: Components, Accessories and Attachments - YouTube
Introduction to Polygraphy - YouTube
POLYGRAPHY (early method of detecting deception/ORDEAL) - YouTube