Passing a Polygraph

Before we get too far into methods for passing a polygraph test, you might want to consider the best solution, which often is to just not take the exam. There is little that taking the test can do to help you, and a lot about it that can hurt you. In criminal matters, just refuse. In the United States at least, you have the right to refuse the test.

Generally, the fact that the test was refused is not admissible in court. The test results themselves may be admissible, depending on the jurisdiction and type of case, so just say no. If you have read the previous pages (starting with the page Pass a Polygraph or Else), you understand that a false-positive (the test says you lied when you didn't) is a real possibility.

In cases of pre-employment screening, you may have to take the test in order to get the job. This is a judgment call you have to make. Keep in mind that a false-positive may make it more difficult to get other jobs. As I write this, an existing employer cannot fire you or take other adverse action solely for refusing a polygraph test (except in the case of some government jobs), although this may change by the time you read this page.

How to Get the Polygraph Test Waived

There is one technique that has been used to have the test waived, even for positions in the Department of Defense. This involves letting the operator know that you understand how the test works.

R.C. Davis, in "Physiological Responses as a Means of Evaluating Information" found that if a subject "knows that changes in breathing will disturb all physiologic variables under control of the autonomic division of the nervous system, and possibly even some others, a certain amount of cooperation or a certain degree of ignorance is required for lie detection by physiologic methods to work."

In other words, for the test to work well (as well as it can) the subject has to be ignorant of how it works. Because of this, you will generally not be considered an appropriate subject if you know too much about the test. A good polygraph operator will generally not give you the test if he is convinced you are not an appropriate subject.

How do you convince the operator of this? Try the following: go to the web site http://antipolygraph.org and download the book The Lie Behind The Lie Detector. Read it, and keep a printed copy handy. When you arrive for the test, tell the operator what you know about the test, and show him the book to prove it. Then explain that because of this, you are not a suitable candidate for polygraph testing. He should agree.

Be careful though, as he may angrily decide that you still should take the test. He may even decide to fail you regardless of results. The fact that the operator's rapport with you can influence his or her interpretations is one of the many problems with the idea that passing a polygraph test is just a matter of being honest.

Continues here... Beating Lie Detectors

Beat a Lie Detector Test | Passing a Polygraph