Everything You Need To Know About Polygraph Testing How can a polygraph test help you? In a “he said/she said” situation, a polygraph test may be the only independent, scientific evidence available that can tell us what actually happened.  In cases where an accusation has been made and there is no physical evidence, or the quality of the evidence is questionable, a polygraph test is the only valid method of establishing the truth. How accurate is a polygraph test result? If the test is performed properly, by an exceptional polygraph examiner, where the best scientifically validated technique is used (the Utah Zone of Comparison Test – discussed below), you can expect 96% accuracy. How do I know if a polygraph examiner is really competent? There are numerous questions that you should ask of any polygraph examiner who you are thinking of retaining.  The very best examiners have the following credentials and background: Their accuracy rates are published in scientific and professional journals They are members of the American Polygraph Association (APA) They have advanced degrees in Psychology (A polygraph test is actually a psychological test) They participate in continuing education on a regular basis They teach at APA accredited polygraph schools They are scientists who have published research about polygraph techniques and accuracy They have professional-level knowledge of scientific research regarding polygraph accuracy and techniques They are recognized as polygraph expert witnesses in one or more courts How important are the examiner’s credentials? The importance of credentials cannot be overstated.  It’s no secret that the practice of polygraph testing is controversial.  Much of the problem is due to the fact that there are some truly incompetent examiners (and a few con men) giving the profession a bad name.  However, it’s almost impossible for a layman to tell a good examiner from a bad one.  For a polygraph test to have any credibility it must be done by an examiner whose credentials are truly extraordinary.    What is the best scientifically validated polygraph testing technique? The Utah Zone of Comparison Test (UZCT).  A recent research study, published in Polygraph (the scientific journal of the APA), compared the accuracy rates of all polygraph test formats which have been evaluated by conventional scientific research.  The UZCT had the highest accuracy of all techniques.  A competent examiner should be using the UZCT exclusively.  If the examiner is not, he is using a test that is second best – or worse.  What kind of equipment should be used during a polygraph test? Current polygraphs are computerized.  This means that the physiological measurements taken from the subject are more accurate than ever.  The major polygraph manufacturers are Layfayette, Limestone, Axciton and Stoelting.  If an examiner is using an analog polygraph (the one with pens and paper) he is working with outdated, obsolete technology. If the examiner is using a computerized polygraph, doesn't the computer do all the “heavy lifting”? 99% of a polygraph test depends on the skill of the examiner.  The polygraph itself gives us accurate measurements of a person’s physiological activity during the test. However, a properly conducted polygraph test requires an examiner who is knowledgeable in psychology, physiology, polygraph theory and practice, scientific research, and many other areas.  Although there are several computer scoring algorithms that evaluate polygraph tests, they will not compensate for a less-than-competent examiner.  They can only evaluate the information that is given to them. How long does a polygraph test take? The test should last between two and three hours. Can some people “beat the test”? No.  Research has shown that even if someone has read about polygraph theory and procedures, and has studied countermeasures, they still cannot beat the test.  They can, however, beat an incompetent polygraph examiner. How are the results of a polygraph test used in criminal and civil cases? In most states, polygraph evidence is admitted (or not admitted) on a case-by-case basis.  However, a properly conducted test given by a preeminent examiner is often given great scrutiny by the court and attorneys on the other side.  Under those conditions, a passing test can lead to dismissal of charges or a better deal in a plea bargain.  In many instances, mostly in civil cases and family/custody courts, polygraph is often admitted as evidence.   Dr. Rovner is one of only a few polygraph experts in America who has had a polygraph test admitted in a criminal trial, over the objection of the prosecution.