Polygraph: how to pass a lie detector without problems, what it is, how to test yourself online

The essence of the lie detector test and the candidate during an interview

A polygraph is a technically complex device that resembles a laptop in appearance. Sensors are attached to the mobile device, which are fixed on the subject during the test. To read a person’s reaction, a tonometer is also used, which detects changes in physiological readings:

epidermal resistance;
HELL;
heart rate and contraction of the heart muscle;
function of individual parts of the brain.

The developers of the lie detector claim that if the test subject lies or withholds information, then the body unconsciously reacts to the fear of being discovered. For example, sweating increases, breathing becomes intermittent, and blood pressure rises.

Operating principle of the device

The essence of the polygraph is to measure physiological processes during the testing period. Sensors are fixed in the chest, abdomen and phalanges of the fingers of the upper extremities. The indicators are displayed on the device screen in the form of a diagram.

To ensure that the test results are accurate, the expert adjusts the detector before the procedure. The device notes emotions suppressed by a person in the form of peak indicators. Thus, this is the principle of operation of the polygraph.

Before starting the procedure, a list of questions on the polygraph when applying for a job is discussed. This is necessary for the applicant to adequately perceive the testing. During the process, a person will have to be almost motionless, so you need to be positioned comfortably. The room in which this type of interview is conducted is soundproofed. The brain reacts to external stimuli, which can negatively affect the test results.

On a note! Lie detector tests are a long process and take from 40 minutes to 2 hours.

How does a polygraph work?

The duration of the procedure is influenced by the number of issues indicated by the management as important. It should be taken into account that testing is carried out after the written consent of the subject. However, the information obtained as part of the procedure is confidential.

What questions are asked during a polygraph test?

Experts assure that using a polygraph you can find out any information hidden by a candidate. Working with a polygraph requires conscious responses from the candidate. Thus, the questions asked are discussed with the candidate in advance.

When drawing up questions, polygraph examiners are guided by the following rules:

the content of the question is clear, clear, excluding double interpretation;
the question contains vocabulary that the candidate can understand;
the wording of the question is brief, suggesting a monosyllabic answer (“ yes
” or “
no
”);
the keywords in the question are at the end (“ Did you pass on confidential information to your competitors?
”);
the question does not contain insults or emotional concepts (“ like
” or “
love
”);
number of test questions 4-15 (no more than 20), total number – up to 100;
any test is presented at least 2 times and no more than 4 times;
Before voicing them on a polygraph, all questions are discussed with the candidate until they are fully understood.

During a polygraph test, three main types of questions are asked:

neutral (used to record indicators from sensors in a candidate’s calm state);
control tests (do not contain information about obvious offenses of the candidate, but introduce him into confusion and emotional state);
significant, i.e. containing content about a possible offense (if the candidate tells a lie, the sensors will record emotional arousal).

Examples of significant questions:

Have you ever taken anything worth more than 1,000 rubles from the office of the company you worked for?
Have you ever deceived people who trusted you?
Have you forged documents?
Have you used your business to the detriment of your employer's business?
Do you gamble?
Have you conspired against your employer with other employees?

Please note that questions about personal life, political beliefs, religion and/or sexual inclinations should not be asked during a polygraph test.

Groups of questions for testing

Before a person takes the test, the specialist asks in order - first from the general questions on the polygraph.
This is necessary to self-adjust the equipment for a specific subject. Reactions to abstract topics are recorded so that the citizen gets used to the situation. The block of basic questions is of most interest to the employer. Popular tests for whether a person is telling the truth or lying are:

taking narcotic drugs;
cases of theft;
presence of debts;
criminal record;
Are there any connections with competitors?

Upon employment

As a rule, large enterprises and companies resort to using the detector, whose management meticulously selects employees. Most often, the matter concerns maintaining official secrets if there is a high risk of espionage. Therefore, during employment there is a strict screening of applicants.
The use of a polygraph is also advisable in organizations whose administration is wary of theft in production. At the legislative level, there are no restrictions on obtaining information about the applicant in this way. But there are also no standards for the use of lie detectors. Therefore, the candidate has the right to refuse the test. It is noteworthy that if the applicant has passed a competitive selection or the person has been approved for the position, then refusal of the detector cannot serve as a basis for dismissal or hiring.

Note: the employer can include information about the previous place of work, relations with the team, and the degree of fulfillment of duties in the main questions. Often the management is also interested in future plans for the employer’s company.

During routine checks using a lie detector

Carrying out periodic lie detector tests deters the team from indecent behavior, offenses, and failure to perform duties. The measures have proven effective in ensuring information and property security at enterprises.

An integrated approach is aimed at identifying people who incorrectly use their powers. In addition, it is legal to establish a violation of the Criminal Code of Russia or the transfer of information to competitors using a polygraph. The purpose of routine testing may also be to prevent theft of property or money.

The use of a polygraph when applying for a job, as well as as a routine check, addresses the following issues:

espionage;
theft;
corruption;
relations in the workforce;
connection with crime.

Of course, polygraph questions from an employer may not be so serious, but relate only to the employee’s level of productivity. If the workplace is strict about paid time, then the use of social networks during work may be considered a violation of discipline. If you answer the truth, then there is a chance to receive leniency in the form of an oral reprimand, thereby reducing the risk of an official investigation.

What is a polygraph and the purposes of polygraph testing

A polygraph is a device with the help of which psychophysiological indicators are studied, the uniformity of breathing, heart function, electrical resistance of human skin, brain function, and muscle tension are recorded. To record the results, sensors are used to record the functioning of organs. The final indicators are recorded on electronic media using a computer.

The accuracy of the research is high; only 6-7 people out of a hundred can be tested so that the results are incomprehensible to experts.

Polygraphic testing is used when:

investigations of crimes (the involvement of certain persons in the case, the veracity of witness testimony is clarified);
mass research (persons who are employed by the company are checked; regular checks to identify problems with theft, betrayal, loans, debts).

Information obtained during the inspection can be used as confirmation of a person’s guilt. However, such evidence is only circumstantial.

There is also such a type of test as detecting lies by voice and facial expressions. The latter is based on the assumption of uniformity of facial muscles, and as a result, their changes.

Testing can pursue the following goals:

clarification of a person’s biography;
investigation of crimes;
identifying connections with the criminal world;
identifying the presence of addiction to alcohol, gambling, drugs;
obtaining information about a person’s past;
identification of criminal and evil intentions.

How to pass a lie detector test

For people, lie detector tests are a stressful test.
Therefore, experts recommend that for those who are interested in the polygraph, and how to pass without problems, calm down. If there are no violations of the law that affect the employment decision, then it is possible to fool a lie detector. A detector is technical equipment that is unable to distinguish between lies and truth. The device only records the reaction to the question.

During the inspection process, you should remain motionless and look, if possible, at one point. To pass the test, it is better not to think about the question for more than 15 seconds. Quick answers prevent you from retrieving negative images from memory that affect the readings of the device. But at the same time, you should not rush to listen to the question to the end and analyze the answer.

Read also: How to send an alcoholic for compulsory treatment?

It should be understood that the specialist observes the subject’s facial expressions, looks at the reaction, assessing gestures, intonation and even posture. A polygraph examiner, as a rule, has a specialty as a psychologist.

Control of reactions at the physical level

The equipment simultaneously records different reactions of the body when answering the test:

blood pressure;
pulse;
breath;
degree of epidermal resistance;
brain reaction.

Please note: without a person’s consent, no one has the right to force a subject to undergo this type of test. In this case, the circumstances do not matter. Before undergoing testing, management must provide an agreement for signature. If you have doubts or don’t know how and whether to take a polygraph when applying for a job, it is better to refuse.

Several methods on how to get tested:

To prevent your palms from sweating when answering uncomfortable questions, it is better to lubricate them with alcohol-based gel 40 minutes before the procedure. The products are sold in pharmacies. Experts note that the drug should first be tested, including for the presence of odor.
Breathing control. It is worth practicing at home on the frequency of inhalation and exhalation. The principle of yogi breathing helps in such training.
Concentration on an abstract object. Thoughts and pictures should be about neutral subjects. For example, you can recall a photo of a pet. You need to answer after the landscape has been presented. This reduces psycho-emotional tension.
Mental substitution of questions asked by a specialist. After adjusting the topic, you can reply.
Additional aids in passing the test are alcohol, sedative pills, and blood pressure medications. It is better to take one thing at a time, since abuse can negatively affect your health and raise doubts among a specialist.

How to recognize a lie?

Psychologists have developed a number of methods that should be used to understand whether a person is telling you the truth or simply lying. These methods do not provide a 100% guarantee, but they undoubtedly provide serious assistance.

First method: detect lies by answer

If a person, after asking a question, repeats it completely or partially or is silent for several minutes, it means that he is thinking about how to answer correctly so as not to harm himself or other people.

This behavior indicates that he is insincere with you and most often ends up answering falsely. A truthful person, without hesitation, lays out all the information he has on your question.

Second method: detect lies by lack of answer

If, in response to a question, your interlocutor tells a joke or otherwise diverts the conversation, it means that he does not want to share with you, he has something to hide. According to the rules of etiquette, you should appreciate his wit and laugh.

If you continue to insist on receiving an answer, you may come across as a bore. This is such a well-known tactic of not lying, but not telling the truth, often used by liars in society.

Third method: detect lies by behavior

Instead of an answer, you receive a nervous reaction from your interlocutor. He begins to cough, scratch himself, may suddenly change the pace of his speech, etc. This indicates that he is psychologically preparing to lie to you.

You should be careful with such a person, because... You can really become a victim of deception. Although such behavior is not typical for a professional liar, because he has long been accustomed to lying and benefits from it.

Fourth method: detect lies by gestures

Sometimes, during a conversation, the interlocutor begins to automatically make specific gestures: (scratching the back of his head, touching his face, etc.). This suggests that he is trying to subconsciously isolate himself from you.

Sometimes he backs away from the interlocutor, shifts from foot to foot, and tries to move away. This means that at the subconscious level he understands that now he will have to tell a lie. And this is unpleasant for him.

Carefully study the behavior of your family and friends at a time when, according to your assumptions, they are lying.
This will help you not to waste your relationship with them, but simply to know when they told a lie and to protect yourself from it in a timely manner. Share on social media networks

Refusal to take a lie detector interview

Taking a detector test is a stressful situation. There are several groups of people who are not allowed to participate in testing for medical reasons:

pregnant women;
deviations in mental functioning;
course of a serious illness;
minor citizens.

There is a risk of getting incorrect results. This is due to strong excitement, which can be dangerous to health. In the case where a person has given the go-ahead to undergo testing, but during the process notes signs of tachycardia, it is better to stop the procedure. However, a healthy, capable person has the right to refuse this form of interview.

Mistakes of applicants

It is a mistake to believe that complete calm and lack of reaction during the test is the ideal solution, just like taking a polygraph when applying for a job. There is a possibility that the specialist will doubt the results and the answers will simply not be counted. At the same time, the company’s management may suspect that the subject has secrets.

A hangover or intoxication will affect the functions of the equipment. However, this type of behavior from an applicant or employee can negatively impact a person's reputation. Most likely, the inspection will be postponed to another day.

An alcohol-dependent employee is even worse for a company than someone who tells a lie.

Probabilities of error in the operation of the polygraph

The developers and supporters of the device are ready to use the equipment in any unclear situation.
For example, they are used in work to identify employees who incorrectly perform their job duties. They also strive to identify violators of discipline. But controversial situations about the reliability of the information received still do not subside. A number of experts rely entirely on the results, while others note only 50% of correct answers. Read also: Where you can grill kebabs

Myths about the error-free operation of the device are spread by those who are comfortable with people’s fear of testing. Another category of such persons are companies providing similar services.

In many states, device readings are not accepted as evidence in court. However, if the management uses this approach for an interview or inspection, then it trusts the results. It is inappropriate to engage in conflict about efficiency or errors. Applicants or employees should weigh the pros and cons of the test. Upon making a decision, sign the consent. In case of dismissal or refusal of employment on the basis of refusal to take a polygraph test, you must file a complaint with the labor inspectorate.

Is it possible to fool a polygraph?

Test takers are concerned with the question: is it possible to deceive a hardware and software complex called a lie detector? The reliability of the information depends on the personality type of the citizen undergoing the examination. Experts estimate the level of accuracy of the result at 70-90%. If a person is under the influence of alcohol, his sensitivity will be reduced, his reactions will be distorted and inhibited, which means that it will be difficult to obtain reliable information. If you do not use tranquilizers, but do not sleep for two days, this will lead to a state comparable to a trance. An experienced polygraph examiner will notice an equally insignificant reaction to all questions. If there are any doubts about the adequacy of the reactions, the specialist will reschedule the study for another day.

Note!
The device can be deceived by people who know how to suppress their own emotions and who are not influenced by any stimuli. It is necessary to answer automatically, without attaching any importance to the questions.

You can mentally immerse yourself in past events to relive them again by staring at a neutral object or pattern on the wall. It is important to develop this skill through constant long-term training. When trying to achieve a lack of reaction, it is necessary to take into account that the specialist will try to identify deception with special control questions. It is necessary to learn not to hold back and wishful thinking.

You can successfully pass a lie detector by demonstrating feigned reactions to non-existent stimuli. When answering the right question, you can think about something that causes anger or pain. But the polygraph examinee is under video cameras, and any involuntary facial movements will be noticed by a specialist.

Many experts believe that a lie detector cannot be fooled. They note that the device reads information received from the body:

voice activity;
motor activity;
the process of filling capillaries with blood;
electrical impulses of the skin, breathing rate and heartbeat.

If you decide to fool the polygraph, think about it - why do you need this? An attitude of deception with poor preparation can ruin everything.

Note!
If the test taker behaves unnaturally, this will arouse suspicion, and the results will be interpreted not in his favor.

There are methods of deceiving a lie detector that allow you to maintain your right to privacy. You can learn about all the details of this procedure during a consultation with our specialists by contacting them by phone or through the website.

It is worth contacting a lawyer in any situation. If you are accused of theft at work, a lawyer will evaluate the employer’s claims, collect evidence of your guilt, and contact the labor inspectorate on your behalf. If you, as the head of a company, are not confident in your subordinates, a specialist will help you conduct an internal audit and tell you what penalties you can apply to violators.