CPE Report Writing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An examiner documents that a subject appeared 'nervous' during the pre-test interview. What is the concern with this type of language in a polygraph report?
- It is too clinical and should be simplified
- It is a subjective characterization that lacks behavioral specificity (Correct answer)
- It should only appear in the chart analysis section
- Emotional states must not be documented at all
Correct answer: It is a subjective characterization that lacks behavioral specificity
Terms like 'nervous' are subjective; reports should instead describe specific observable behaviors such as trembling hands or rapid speech.
Question 2: A polygraph report is subpoenaed for a criminal trial. Which component of the report is most likely to be scrutinized for chain-of-custody purposes?
- The examiner's biography
- The chart storage and handling documentation (Correct answer)
- The question list format used
- The number of pre-employment tests conducted annually
Correct answer: The chart storage and handling documentation
Chain-of-custody documentation for charts ensures that the recorded physiological data has not been altered or tampered with.
Question 3: What is the correct way to handle an inadvertent disclosure by the subject during a polygraph examination in the report?
- Omit it to protect the subject's privacy
- Document it factually without elaboration beyond what was stated (Correct answer)
- Include it only in a confidential addendum
- Interpret the disclosure as an admission of deception
Correct answer: Document it factually without elaboration beyond what was stated
Inadvertent disclosures should be documented factually and accurately as stated by the subject, without editorial interpretation.
Question 4: Which notation in a polygraph report indicates that the examiner used a validated numerical scoring system?
- A statement that the examiner is certified
- Reference to the specific scoring algorithm or system used (e.g., ESS, OSS-3) (Correct answer)
- Notation that charts were analyzed twice
- A disclaimer that scoring is subjective
Correct answer: Reference to the specific scoring algorithm or system used (e.g., ESS, OSS-3)
Naming the specific validated scoring system (such as ESS or OSS-3) provides transparency about the analytical method used.
Question 5: A report prepared for a federal law enforcement agency differs from a private-sector pre-employment report primarily in which respect?
- Federal reports never include NDI conclusions
- Federal reports must adhere to agency-specific formats and may require additional disclosures (Correct answer)
- Private-sector reports use more questions per chart
- Federal reports do not require the examiner's signature
Correct answer: Federal reports must adhere to agency-specific formats and may require additional disclosures
Federal law enforcement agencies typically mandate specific report formats and additional disclosures not required in private pre-employment contexts.
Question 6: When an examination is terminated early due to a subject's medical complaint, how should this be documented?
- The report should be filed as inconclusive without explanation
- The report should document the reason for termination, time, and any observable symptoms (Correct answer)
- No report should be prepared for an incomplete examination
- The examiner should indicate deception due to the subject's avoidance
Correct answer: The report should document the reason for termination, time, and any observable symptoms
Any early termination must be documented with the reason, time, and relevant observations to ensure transparency and legal protection.
Question 7: In the context of polygraph report writing, what does 'internal consistency' refer to?
- All charts showing the same physiological patterns
- Agreement between the examiner's stated methodology and the conclusions drawn (Correct answer)
- The subject giving consistent answers throughout the exam
- Using the same report template across all examinations
Correct answer: Agreement between the examiner's stated methodology and the conclusions drawn
Internal consistency means the report's methods, data, and conclusions logically align without contradictions.
CPE Report Writing 3
An examiner documents that a subject appeared 'nervous' during the pre-test interview.
What is the concern with this type of language in a polygraph report?