Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions can be asked?
One of the major misconceptions about polygraph testing is that several questions can be asked in the one test. By asking several questions relating to separate issues involving several people over varying periods of time only diminishes the accuracy of the testing process. A qualified examiner however can formulate a single question that will often cover the central theme or major issue.
Example 1
In the case of a theft of $20,000.00 from a safe located in an office a number of questions may arise such as:
- Was the suspect in the area at the time of the theft
- Did the suspect go near the safe
- Did the suspect open the safe door
- Did the suspect use a key to open the safe
- Did the suspect take the money
Even though these questions are important they are peripheral to the main issue as to whether the suspect took the money or not. In this case a single direct question such as "Did you take the money from the office safe last Thursday?" would resolve the above issue.
Example 2
In the case where a wife suspects her husband of engaging in a sexual relationship with another woman a number of issues may be raised including:
- Has her husband lied about where he has been
- Has her husband been seeing another woman
- Has her husband been behaving in a strange or unusual manner
- Has her husband been making secret phone calls
- Has her husband been required to work weekends
- Has her husband been working later than usual etc
Although these changes in behaviour are important the issue could be resolved with a single direct question such as: "Have you had sexual intercourse with any other woman since you married?