Can a Nervous Person Still Pass a Polygraph Examination?

One of the most common questions people ask before a polygraph examination is, “What if I am nervous?” Many people worry that anxiety, an elevated heart rate, or difficulty relaxing will automatically cause them to fail.  The good news is that nervousness is expected during a polygraph examination and does not, by itself, mean that a person will produce a deceptive result.

Most people experience at least some anxiety before being tested.  Even a truthful person may worry about the equipment, the questions, the examiner, or the possibility that the results could be misunderstood.  A professionally conducted polygraph examination is designed with this normal nervousness in mind.

What Does a Polygraph Measure?

A polygraph does not directly detect lies.  Instead, it records physiological activity while a person answers carefully constructed and reviewed questions.  Depending on the equipment and testing format, the instrument may monitor breathing patterns, cardiovascular activity, sweat-gland activity (Or skin conductivity), and physical movement.

The examiner evaluates how the person responds to different questions throughout the examination.  The decision is not based simply on whether the person’s heart is beating quickly or slowing down, or whether they appear anxious.

A person who is nervous at the beginning of the examinations will generally show that same nervousness, to some degree, throughout the entire testing process.  What matters is whether there are significant reactions to any of the individual test questions.

The Importance of the Pretest Interview

Before the testing begins, the examiner conducts a detailed pretest interview and during this interview, the examination process is explained, the relevant issue(s) is discussed, and every test question is reviewed in advance of the actual examination

In a professional polygraph examination, there will be no surprise questions.  Each question on the test will be reviewed, word for word.  This is also done to ensure the examinee has an opportunity to discuss any questions he or she finds troubling or does not understand completely.  The person being tested should understand exactly what each question means before the examination begins.

This interview also gives the examinee an opportunity to explain medical conditions, and prescription medications.   Both of which have been thought to cause artificial reactions to the  chart.  Other factors such as a lack of sleep, injuries, family, sustained drug and alcohol involvement and or other issues are discussed.  People should not stop taking prescribed medication unless instructed to do so by their healthcare provider.

Anxiety Is Different From Deception

General nervousness is not the same as a physiological response associated with a specific question.  An experienced examiner understands that the testing environment may be stressful and works to establish a clear physiological baseline.

Trying too hard to remain calm can sometimes make the experience more difficult.  Examinees should breathe normally, listen carefully, answer each question truthfully, and follow the examiner’s instructions.  Attempting to control breathing or use so-called countermeasures found online can interfere with the examination and may prevent a clear result.   Any evidence of countermeasures is generally an automatic “fail.”

How to Prepare for Your Examination

Get a reasonable amount of sleep the night before the test, eat normally, and arrive on time.  Bring identification and any information requested by the examiner.  Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine or energy drinks, but do not dramatically change your normal routine.

Most importantly, be honest with the examiner during the pretest interview.  If a question concerns you or seems unclear, discuss it before the testing begins.

A nervous person can still complete a successful polygraph examination.  Nervousness is normal, expected, and considered as part of the testing process.  Proper preparation, clear questions, truthful answers, and a qualified examiner provide the best opportunity for a fair and reliable examination.