CPE Instrument Technology Flashcards

What is the recommended cuff inflation pressure range for the cardio component during a polygraph examination?

Answer: 60–90 mmHg

The cardio cuff is typically inflated to 60–90 mmHg, a level below diastolic blood pressure, to record relative cardiovascular changes without fully occluding arterial flow.

Which of the following best describes the role of the baseline calibration check before a polygraph test?

Answer: It verifies instrument channels are functioning and recording properly

A pre-test calibration check ensures all instrument channels are operational and recording clean physiological signals before the formal examination begins.

In a computerized polygraph system, what does 'gain' refer to?

Answer: The sensitivity or amplification of a physiological channel

Gain is the amplification factor applied to a physiological channel; adjusting gain allows the examiner to optimize the tracing size for accurate visual and algorithmic analysis.

What is a 'stim test' (stimulation test) used for in polygraph examinations?

Answer: To demonstrate to the subject that the instrument can detect deception

A stimulation test (known number or card test) is used to convince the subject that the polygraph can detect lies, which helps ensure robust physiological responses during the actual examination.

Which APA-approved computerized polygraph system uses proprietary algorithms such as OSS-3 for scoring?

Answer: Lafayette LX5000

The Lafayette LX5000 includes OSS-3 (Objective Scoring System version 3), a validated algorithmic scoring tool used to provide a probabilistic assessment of truthfulness.

What is 'chart drive speed' in the context of analog or digital polygraph systems?

Answer: The speed at which physiological data scrolls or is displayed on the chart

Chart drive speed refers to how fast the physiological tracings scroll across the display (or paper), with 6 mm/sec being a common standard that allows adequate visualization of responses.