Examination Techniques Flashcards

What does the term 'grand total score' refer to in polygraph chart analysis?

Answer: The sum of all individual question scores across all channels and all charts

The grand total score is the cumulative sum of all numerical scores assigned across all physiological channels and all chart presentations.

Which of the following is a recognized countermeasure that targets the electrodermal (EDA) channel specifically?

Answer: Applying antiperspirant to the fingers before the examination

Antiperspirant reduces sweat gland activity, which can suppress electrodermal responses and blunt EDA readings during the examination.

In a properly conducted polygraph examination, the examiner should present the exact wording of the questions:

Answer: During the pre-test review and again verbatim during chart collection

Questions must be reviewed with the examinee before charts are run, and then presented verbatim during collection to ensure consistency and informed responses.

The 'Utah Zone Comparison Technique' (UZCT) uses which question format to separate relevant from comparison question effects?

Answer: Strong comparison questions immediately before weak relevant questions in a specific sequence

The UZCT places strong comparison questions adjacent to and immediately before relevant questions to facilitate direct physiological comparison between the two types.

When evaluating a polygraph chart, 'blocking' in the respiratory tracing most commonly appears as:

Answer: A prolonged suppression or flat line in the breathing pattern at or following a question

Blocking refers to a sustained suppression or cessation of breathing (apnea) that typically corresponds to deception-related arousal at or just after a question.

Which of the following best explains why comparison questions in CQT-based tests should pertain to the examinee's past behavior rather than the current incident?

Answer: They create concern without directly competing with the relevant issue, enabling differential responding

Comparison questions about past (non-incident) behaviors generate psychological concern in the examinee without directly addressing the issue under investigation, enabling the diagnostic contrast.

A 'symptomatic question' is included in some polygraph formats primarily to:

Answer: Detect whether the examinee is concerned about a relevant issue not covered by the test questions

Symptomatic questions probe whether the examinee is worried about something not addressed in the test, which could confound the diagnostic results if left undetected.