Lesson II: Countermeasures and Accuracy

Countermeasures:

-Countermeasures are deliberate techniques used by deceptive subjects during polygraph

examinations to appear non-deceptive.

-They include both physical and mental strategies aimed at concealing verbal deception.

-Examiners must remain vigilant during the examination to detect countermeasures.

-Anti-countermeasures can be employed by the examiner to deter and identify deceptive tactics.

Mental Countermeasures:

-These involve mental strategies such as rationalization, mental exercises, and hypnosis.

-Biofeedback, providing immediate biological information, can aid in voluntary physiological

control but isn't a countermeasure itself.

Hypnosis:

-Hypnotically induced amnesia can affect polygraph results, with subjects showing deceptive
responses even under posthypnotic amnesia.

Dissociation:

-Studies show that dissociation from relevant stimuli can decrease detection efficiency during
polygraph tests, indicating manipulation of attention affects test outcomes.

Physical Countermeasures:

-These involve deliberate manipulation of body parts to affect physiological data recorded during
the polygraph examination.

-Examples include controlling breathing rate or causing physiological reactions through

movements or pain.
-Anti-countermeasures like motion detection chairs can aid in identifying and preventing
physical countermeasures.

Pharmaceutical Countermeasures:

-Drug use by examinees can influence polygraph results.

-Some drugs may impact test accuracy, while others may not have a significant effect.

-Studies show mixed results regarding the influence of drugs on polygraph outcomes.

Alcohol:

-Alcohol intoxication during a polygraph examination may reduce detection rates.

-However, its use as a countermeasure in simulated crime scenarios showed limited

effectiveness.

Accuracy of Polygraph:

-Research on the validity and reliability of polygraph tests indicates high accuracy rates in
criminal cases.

-Validity and reliability depend on both instrument measurements and examiner interpretation.

-Well-designed examinations by skilled examiners using computerized systems show close to

100% accuracy.

-Licensing requirements for polygraph examiners in certain states ensure reliability and validity
in test administration.

-Criticisms of polygraph accuracy often stem from misinterpretation of inconclusive results and
misunderstandings of polygraph procedures.

-Certain physiological and psychological conditions may affect examination suitability.

-Despite controversies, research suggests that psychopathic individuals can still be detected
through physiological reactions during polygraph tests.
Debates and Perspectives:

-Some critics dismiss polygraph testing as inaccurate, referring to it as a "voodoo science" and
claiming it measures stress rather than lies.

-Proponents argue that with proper training and experience, polygraph examiners can
accurately detect deceptive behavior.

-Specific procedures and anti-countermeasures employed by skilled examiners can mitigate the
impact of anxiety and stress on test results.

-This lesson explores various countermeasures employed by deceptive subjects during

polygraph examinations and discusses the accuracy and reliability of polygraph testing,
addressing both criticisms and perspectives surrounding its use in criminal investigations.