Will a Polygraph Examiner Tell You If You Failed?
The short answer is: it depends. While some examiners will offer immediate feedback, many will not explicitly state whether you passed or failed a polygraph test. The reasons behind this ambiguity are multifaceted and stem from the controversial nature of polygraph testing itself. Let's delve deeper into the complexities surrounding polygraph results and what you can expect during and after the examination.
What Happens During a Polygraph Test?
A polygraph test, often referred to as a lie detector test, measures physiological responses like heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and skin conductivity while you answer a series of questions. The examiner interprets these physiological changes to assess your truthfulness. The process typically involves three types of questions:
- Relevant questions: These questions directly address the issue under investigation.
- Irrelevant questions: These are neutral questions designed to establish a baseline of your physiological responses.
- Control questions: These are questions about past misdeeds that are designed to elicit a deceptive response, even if you're telling the truth. The comparison of your responses to these questions with your responses to relevant questions forms the basis of the interpretation.
Why Examiners Might Not Tell You the Results Directly
Several factors contribute to an examiner's reluctance to directly declare a "pass" or "fail":
- Lack of Scientific Consensus: Polygraph tests are not universally accepted as reliable indicators of truthfulness. Scientific studies have yielded mixed results regarding their accuracy, leading to skepticism among legal professionals and scientists. The absence of a definitive scientific backing makes a clear-cut "pass/fail" declaration problematic.
- Legal Ramifications: In many jurisdictions, polygraph results are inadmissible as evidence in court due to their questionable reliability. Providing a definitive result could potentially have legal implications for both the examiner and the subject.
- Interpretation Challenges: Interpreting polygraph data is subjective. Different examiners may reach different conclusions based on the same data. The lack of objective scoring criteria reinforces the need for caution when communicating the results.
- Strategic Considerations: Some examiners may withhold the results to leverage them later in an investigation or negotiation. This is more common in non-criminal contexts, such as pre-employment screenings.
What You Can Expect After a Polygraph Test?
Even if the examiner doesn't give a direct pass/fail judgment, they might provide some feedback, though this can vary greatly. They may:
- Discuss your physiological responses: They might highlight specific responses to particular questions and explain their interpretation of those responses.
- Suggest further investigation: Based on their interpretation, they might recommend additional steps to clarify ambiguities or uncertainties.
- Provide a written report (in some cases): A formal report might be generated, but this doesn't necessarily mean it will contain a simple "pass" or "fail" conclusion. The report might include a detailed analysis of the physiological data and the examiner's interpretation.
What to Do if You're Concerned About a Polygraph Test?
If you're facing a polygraph test, consulting with an attorney or a qualified expert in forensic psychology is highly recommended. They can advise you on your rights and help you understand the limitations of polygraph technology. Remember, the results of a polygraph test are not definitive proof of truthfulness or deception.
Are Polygraph Results Ever Used in Court?
While many jurisdictions exclude polygraph results as evidence, there are exceptions. Sometimes, results are presented if both parties agree, or in specific circumstances where the judge permits it. However, this is rare.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to disclose the results of a polygraph test rests with the examiner. The lack of a definitive pass/fail declaration shouldn't be interpreted as an automatic indication of failure. Focus instead on the potential legal implications and seek professional advice if you have concerns.
