Scientific Validity of Polygraph Testing:
A Research Review and Evaluation
A Technical Memorandum
Washington, D. C.: U.S. Congress
Office of Technology Assessment
OTA-TM-H-15
November 1983
Table of Contents
Foreword, Front Pages
1. SUMMARY
Introduction
Federal Polygraph Use
Federal Polygraph Policy Changes
Polygraph Validity
Findings
Personnel Security Screening
Criminal Investigations
False Negatives/Countermeasures
False Positives
Voluntary v. Involuntary
Polygraph Theory
Further Research
Chapter-by-Chapter Overview
Conclusions
2. VARIETIES OF POLYGRAPH TESTING AND USES
Introduction
Polygraph Instrument
Types of Testing Procedures
The Pretest Interview
Types of Questions
Polygraph Question Techniques
Post-Test Interview
Uses of Polygraph Testing
Current Use
Conclusions
3. CONTROVERSY OVER POLYGRAPH TESTING VALIDITY
Introduction
Judicial Reviews
Polygraph Findings as Evidence
Laws Regulating Polygraphs in Employment Settings
Federal Debate Over Polygraph Validity
The 1960’s
The 1970’s
The 1980’s
Draft Revisions to DOD 521O.48
NSDD-84
Administration Polygraph Policy
Scientific Validity and Polygraph
Research Reviews
Definitions of Scientific Validity
Research Design
False Positives and Negatives
Reviews of Polygraph Validity
Conclusions
4. REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF POLYGRAPH FIELD STUDIES
Introduction
Study Selection
Studies Excluded
Studies Included
Coding
Findings and Discussion
Variation Among Studies
Studies Using Panel Criterion
and Examiners’ Decisions
Studies Using Confession as a Criterion
and Blind Evaluations
Studies Using Judicial Outcomes
and Original Examiners’ Results
Other Considerations
Conclusions
5. REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF POLYGRAPH ANALOG STUDIES
Introduction
Characteristics of Analog Studies
Study Selection
Description of Studies
Control Question Technique
University of Utah Studies
Other Studies
Concealed Information Tests
Lykken
Davidson
Podlesny and Raskin
Giesen and Rollison
Balloun and Holmes
Bradley and Janisse
Time
Preemployment Screening
Correa and Adams
Barland
Findings
6. FACTORS AFFECTING POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION VALIDITY
Introduction
Polygraph Examiner, Subject, and Setting
Examiner
Subjects
Setting
Countermeasures
Physical
Drugs
Hypnosis/Biofeedback
Mental
Research Implications of Factors
Affecting Validity
Theory
Scoring
Question Techniques
Countermeasures
Comparison With Other Techniques
Field Studies
Conclusions
7. CONCLUSIONS
Introduction
Overall Scientific Conclusions
Specific Scientific Conclusions in
Policy Context
Specific-Incident Criminal
Investigations
Personnel Security Screening
False Negatives/Countermeasures
Voluntary, Involuntary
Further Research
Concluding Comment
Appendices