CPE Testing Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary advantage of the Relevant-Irrelevant (R-I) test format in screening examinations?
- It eliminates the need for a pre-test interview entirely
- It allows comparison of responses to relevant questions against neutral baseline questions (Correct answer)
- It requires fewer charts than comparison question formats
- It is more accurate than comparison question techniques for specific-issue testing
Correct answer: It allows comparison of responses to relevant questions against neutral baseline questions
The R-I format compares physiological responses to relevant questions against responses to neutral irrelevant questions, making it useful for broad-scope screening when comparison questions are impractical.
Question 2: During a polygraph examination, 'outside issue' responses are best addressed by which method?
- Asking the examinee to think about something pleasant
- Using a symptomatic question to absorb responses from concerns unrelated to the target issue (Correct answer)
- Replacing the relevant question with a neutral topic question
- Administering an additional stimulation test
Correct answer: Using a symptomatic question to absorb responses from concerns unrelated to the target issue
Symptomatic questions (e.g., 'Is there something else you are afraid I will ask about?') are designed to capture physiological responses caused by concerns outside the scope of the test.
Question 3: According to the American Polygraph Association (APA) meta-analytic research, what is the approximate accuracy rate for well-conducted polygraph examinations?
- Approximately 60–65%
- Approximately 70–75%
- Approximately 80–90% (Correct answer)
- Approximately 98–100%
Correct answer: Approximately 80–90%
APA-endorsed meta-analyses have found polygraph accuracy rates in the range of approximately 80–90% when standardized techniques and validated scoring systems are used.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the 'acquaintance' or 'exploratory' test sometimes used at the beginning of a polygraph series?
- To obtain a confession before the formal test begins
- To familiarize the examinee with the process and verify that instrumentation is functioning correctly (Correct answer)
- To establish legal consent for the examination
- To test the examiner's ability to score charts under time pressure
Correct answer: To familiarize the examinee with the process and verify that instrumentation is functioning correctly
An acquaintance test helps adapt the examinee to the polygraph environment and verifies that all sensors are recording properly before the formal examination begins.
Question 5: In the Federal Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) format, how many relevant questions are typically included per chart?
- One
- Two
- Three to four (Correct answer)
- Five or more
Correct answer: Three to four
Federal PDD formats typically include three to four relevant questions per chart to maintain focus on the target issue while allowing adequate physiological recovery between questions.
Question 6: What does a 'green zone' score indicate in the Empirical Scoring System (ESS) used in polygraph analysis?
- The examinee exhibited no physiological responses to any questions
- The total numerical score falls within the range associated with truthful responding (Correct answer)
- The examination was inconclusive and must be repeated
- The examinee's blood pressure readings were within normal range
Correct answer: The total numerical score falls within the range associated with truthful responding
In the ESS, a green zone score indicates the cumulative physiological data fall within the statistically derived range associated with truthful examinees.
Question 7: When a polygraph examinee requests to take a break during chart collection, what is the examiner's best course of action?
- Deny the request to maintain momentum and chart integrity
- Allow the break, document its timing, and allow physiological stabilization before resuming (Correct answer)
- Terminate the examination and schedule a new appointment
- Continue the chart and note the request as a potential countermeasure
Correct answer: Allow the break, document its timing, and allow physiological stabilization before resuming
Allowing a documented break and waiting for physiological stabilization maintains examinee cooperation and ensures subsequent chart data are not contaminated by stress from denial.
CPE Testing Procedures 3
What is the primary advantage of the Relevant-Irrelevant (R-I) test format in screening examinations?