Testing Procedures Flashcards

What is the recommended chart review sequence when scoring a polygraph examination for quality control?

Answer: Score all charts only after all data collection is complete, blind to prior chart scores

Scoring all charts after data collection is complete, without reference to previous chart scores, reduces examiner bias and maintains scoring independence across the series.

In the peak of tension (POT) test, what response pattern indicates the examinee has knowledge of the target information?

Answer: Maximum physiological response occurring consistently at the critical item among irrelevant items

A guilty knowledge effect in the POT test is indicated by maximal physiological response peaking at the critical (known) item, distinguishing it from the surrounding irrelevant items.

Which of the following is a contraindication for conducting a polygraph examination on a scheduled examinee?

Answer: The examinee is currently under the influence of medication that significantly alters autonomic nervous system function

Medications or substances that significantly alter autonomic nervous system function (e.g., beta-blockers, sedatives) can suppress or distort physiological responses, making accurate scoring unreliable.

What is the purpose of the 'you' question used in some polygraph formats (e.g., 'Did you do it?')?

Answer: To directly address examinee culpability and maximize response differentiation on the target issue

The 'you' question directly implicates the examinee in the target act, maximizing the psychological salience of the relevant question for a deceptive subject.

During a multi-issue polygraph examination, why is it considered best practice to test only one issue per examination session?

Answer: Multiple issues increase chart complexity and reduce the validity of comparison questions tied to a single issue

When multiple issues are tested in one session, comparison questions may not be adequately tied to each relevant issue, reducing the diagnostic validity of the entire examination.

What is 'bracketing' in the context of polygraph question construction?

Answer: Defining the time frame and scope of the relevant question to focus the examinee's concern on a specific act

Bracketing involves specifying the time period and behavioral scope of a relevant question (e.g., 'In the past five years…') to focus psychological concern on the target act.

In the LEPET (Law Enforcement Pre-Employment Testing) context, which question type is prohibited by the APA standards?

Answer: Questions about lifestyle choices unrelated to job fitness or security risk

APA standards prohibit using polygraph questions to probe lifestyle choices that have no demonstrated bearing on job fitness, security risk, or the integrity of the application.