The following discussion between examiner and examinee will increase disclosures of problem behavior during interview and produce better tests results due to enhancing the effect of differential saliency. Release of Information Form: Reinforce confidentiality; “it’s nobody else’s business what we talk about.” You will be given every opportunity to discuss with me the things you know are important in this interview.
Preparing for Your Polygraph Test: What You Need to Know
When it comes to taking a polygraph test, understanding the process is key to a successful outcome. This guide will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and why honesty is the most important factor.
The Process
Before the test begins, we will review all the standard conditions of probation and treatment. While many of these may not apply to you, some might, and it’s essential for you to be upfront about them. We’ll discuss your activities during the relevant time period, creating two “categories”: one for things you haven’t done and another for things you’ve done or that might apply to you. Typically, the test will focus on the activities you claim you haven’t done. This approach makes it easier for truthful individuals to pass the polygraph.
If something does apply to you—whether or not you’ve disclosed it to your probation officer or treatment provider—be honest and let me know. This will help us address and resolve it, removing any mental burden of secrecy. Remember, the test is not about what you have done—it’s about verifying what you haven’t done.
Once our review is complete, I’ll create a series of simple “yes” or “no” questions based on what we’ve discussed. You’ll know every question beforehand, and we’ll prepare them together. This ensures you have the opportunity to clarify or disclose anything else before the test begins. It’s against the law for me to ask you any unapproved questions during the test, so there will be no surprises.
Honesty Is the Key to Success
The polygraph is not a “lie detector” unless you choose to lie. Instead, think of it as a truth verification tool. By being completely honest during our discussion, you’ll set yourself up for success. Your probation officer and treatment provider will value your honesty, even if it involves disclosing something sensitive. In fact, they are more likely to be lenient if you’re upfront before the test.
The results of the polygraph are straightforward: the last page of the report will indicate whether you passed or failed. Passing the test—even if you’ve disclosed prior mistakes—becomes a clean slate moving forward. Lying, however, will result in failure, which could lead to additional consequences, including retaking the test at your expense. Often, the act of lying is viewed more seriously than the behavior being concealed.
The Testing Experience
Once the review is complete, we’ll begin the first round of questions, called the “chart.” During this phase, I’ll ask the questions in the order we prepared them. It’s important to remain still and focused. After the first chart, we’ll pause to check how you’re feeling. If anything comes to mind that needs addressing, we can make adjustments before proceeding.
The second round will use the same questions, but they’ll be presented in a different order. This ensures consistency in your responses. For truthful individuals, the process becomes easier with each round, as your body naturally relaxes when you know you’re being honest. For those who are dishonest, however, stress typically increases with each round, making it harder to hide deception.
If anything new comes to mind during the test, it’s not too late to address it. We can adjust the questions to reflect any new disclosures. The final chart is usually the smoothest, as by this point, you’ll be familiar with the process and more comfortable answering truthfully.
Final Steps
Once the test is complete, I’ll review the data to ensure there were no issues, such as excessive movement, which could require additional testing. Afterward, I’ll print and evaluate the results—this process takes about 20–30 minutes. When the evaluation is finished, we’ll review the results together.
Key Takeaways
- Be honest from the start. Disclosing information before the test won’t cause you to fail; lying will.
- You’ll know every question beforehand, ensuring there are no surprises.
- The polygraph test is designed to verify truth, not to catch you off-guard.
- Passing the test provides a fresh start moving forward.
If, for any reason, you feel unable to be completely honest today, it’s better to postpone the test. You can wait in the lobby, and I’ll contact your probation officer to reschedule.
Remember, the polygraph is not meant to be intimidating. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your integrity and move forward with confidence.
Take a lie detector test in Maidstone or London with confidence, knowing you’re prepared for success.