CPE Psychophysiology 2

Question 1

The cardiovascular component of the polygraph most commonly records which parameter using a partially inflated blood pressure cuff?

Accepted Answer

Relative changes in blood pressure and pulse amplitude

Answer

The partially inflated cuff captures relative changes in blood pressure waveform and pulse amplitude rather than absolute pressure readings.

Question 2

What is the primary physiological explanation for increased blood pressure observed in response to a deception-relevant stimulus during polygraph testing?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic stimulation causing vasoconstriction and increased cardiac output

Answer

Sympathetic activation causes peripheral vasoconstriction and increases heart rate and contractility, elevating blood pressure in response to a perceived threat or stressor.

Question 3

Which respiratory pattern change is most commonly associated with heightened sympathetic arousal during a polygraph examination?

Accepted Answer

Suppression of breathing or apnea followed by a deep breath

Answer

Arousal in response to a salient question often produces suppression or breath-holding followed by a compensatory breath, a pattern examiners look for on the respiratory tracing.

Question 4

In psychophysiology, the 'orienting response' to a novel stimulus is characterized by which combination of reactions?

Accepted Answer

Decreased heart rate, skin conductance increase, and attentional focus

Answer

The orienting response (Pavlov's 'what is it?' reflex) involves cardiac deceleration, increased EDA, and enhanced sensory attention as the organism processes the novel stimulus.

Question 5

What does the term 'general arousal' refer to in the context of polygraph psychophysiology?

Accepted Answer

A non-specific elevation in physiological activity across multiple response channels

Answer

General arousal describes a diffuse, non-specific increase in sympathetic nervous system activity manifested across cardiovascular, respiratory, and electrodermal channels simultaneously.

(CPE) Certified Polygraph Examiner Practice Test

(CPE) Certified Polygraph Examiner Practice Test

CPE Psychophysiology 2