CPE Report Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When documenting a subject's pre-test statements that may be relevant to the examination, where should these statements typically be recorded in the polygraph report?
- In the post-test section
- In the pre-test interview summary (Correct answer)
- In the chart analysis section
- In the examiner's personal notes only
Correct answer: In the pre-test interview summary
Pre-test statements relevant to the examination are documented in the pre-test interview summary section of the report.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the purpose of including verbatim responses in a polygraph report?
- To increase report length and thoroughness
- To provide exact language that may carry evidentiary weight (Correct answer)
- To replace the need for audio recordings
- To demonstrate the examiner's attention to detail
Correct answer: To provide exact language that may carry evidentiary weight
Verbatim responses are included because exact wording may carry significant evidentiary weight and cannot be accurately paraphrased.
Question 3: A CPE report references a previous polygraph examination conducted by another agency. How should this information be cited?
- It should not be referenced to avoid bias
- Only the conclusion of the prior test should be noted
- The source agency, date, and examiner name should be cited where known (Correct answer)
- All prior test data must be included in full
Correct answer: The source agency, date, and examiner name should be cited where known
Prior examinations should be attributed with available identifying information including source, date, and examiner to establish provenance.
Question 4: What is the most appropriate tense to use when writing the narrative portion of a polygraph report?
- Future tense to indicate pending review
- Present tense throughout
- Past tense to describe events as they occurred (Correct answer)
- Mixed tense at the examiner's discretion
Correct answer: Past tense to describe events as they occurred
Past tense is appropriate for the narrative because it describes events and observations that have already taken place.
Question 5: In a format-specific polygraph report, what does the 'scope' section define?
- The physical environment of the examination room
- The specific issue or issues addressed during the examination (Correct answer)
- The number of charts collected
- The subject's psychological profile
Correct answer: The specific issue or issues addressed during the examination
The scope section defines the specific relevant issue(s) or allegation(s) that the polygraph examination was designed to address.
Question 6: Which of the following is an inappropriate conclusion to report when a subject has shown significant reactions but the data is inconclusive due to poor quality charts?
- Inconclusive
- Deception Indicated (Correct answer)
- No Deception Indicated
- Results Uninterpretable
Correct answer: Deception Indicated
Reporting Deception Indicated when charts are of poor quality is inappropriate because the data does not meet the threshold for a definitive conclusion.
Question 7: When an examiner conducts a PCSOT (Post-Conviction Sex Offender Testing) examination, what additional documentation is typically required in the report?
- A waiver signed by the supervising officer
- Reference to relevant supervision conditions and treatment context (Correct answer)
- The subject's full criminal history
- Polygraph chart images must be attached
Correct answer: Reference to relevant supervision conditions and treatment context
PCSOT reports typically require documentation of the supervision context and treatment conditions relevant to the scope of the examination.
CPE Report Writing 2
When documenting a subject's pre-test statements that may be relevant to the examination, where should these statements typically be recorded in the polygraph report?